PETS CAN MAKE OR BREAK A REAL ESTATE DEAL

PETS CAN MAKE OR BREAK A REAL ESTATE DEAL

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Wireless Flash) -- A Virginia real estate firm is taking its business to the dogs -- literally. Realtors at McEnearney Associates are encouraging their clients to bring along pets to help out during inspections of potential new homes. Spokeswoman Ann McClure says about 25 percent of the firm's clients own pets and many of them make the critters a big part of the decision process. In fact, one woman wouldn't sign a contract to purchase a house until her cocker spaniel personally toured the home. Then there's the case of the dog breeder who didn't want to purchase a home on a hill because the uphill walking would build up unwanted leg muscles on his prize canines.