1. Attention Anyone who has played ball with a dog has a good example of a dog’s laser focus. In our culture of distraction, focus is a rare beast. To be successful in owning the best home, develop a unique approach on the project to completion. You, your family, and your dog will benefit for decades to come.

2. Hunting The most basic interest of a dog is to hunt, not only for food but also for shelter and a partner to start a family. This is basically what home finders are all about. The home and family, including the family dog, are essential to human and canine happiness. While the search for a home is often laborious and time-consuming, enjoy the hunt as the dog would.

3. Trust your nose A dog’s nose is its sharpest sense; he uses it to investigate everything. In real estate we call it due diligence, doing the math, checking all aspects of a purchase, asking questions, studying the research. It also means sniffing out situations beyond what the numbers indicate, relying on your nose for an advantageous situation.

4. Jump Dogs rarely hesitate before jumping into a situation, for example when the ball falls into a puddle. Competition for the best houses is often tough. While it is often easier to walk away, the weak heart never won a righteous home. This is not to say that one should act in a hurry. Dogs are also an excellent example here. They sniff and approach new situations with caution. But when they are sure of their prey, they go for it instead of questioning themselves as humans often do.

5. Team players Dogs get excited when you walk into the room. They are never in a bad mood and never blame or judge you for anything. They cheer you up when you’re feeling down and they stand by you no matter how tough things get. They are members of your pack and respond with loyalty and confidence. Real estate also works best when everyone comes together, family, realtors, lawyers, inspectors, lenders, etc.

6. Bury a bone We get angry when our dog digs in the garden to bury a bone, but he is following a primordial instinct that judiciously tells him to save for a rainy day. This is excellent advice for both owning and maintaining a new home. Having financial reserves can often make the difference between success and failure. Avoid becoming “poor of the house.” Your dog will love you so much in a more affordable home. What matters to him or her is you and the family.