Pets and Selling Your Home!

Puppy Love? Not For All Buyers

 

Our pets give us unconditional love, and for many of us we can't imagine our home without our pets. However, not all buyers feel the same way. In fact, some buyers put a "pet house" on their list of less desirable traits. Whether it is due to allergies, fur, cleanliness concerns, pet damage, or simply a fear of pets, it is important for home sellers to understand what they can and should do to address this concern.

Before any showings or open houses, have your sellers remove (or clean and hide): Litter boxes or potty pads Dog beds and crates Pet toys Cat scratchers Water and food bowls Any other clear signs that animals live in the home When possible, animals should be removed from the house if the seller will not be present for the showing: Ask a friend or neighbor to pet sit or kennel their pets for the day. If that is not possible, have the animals properly secured in crates, runs, or secured rooms with signs on the door to let visitors know pets are inside so they will not be surprised (or worse yet scared) when entering that room or part of the yard. Not only does this ensure a smooth showing, it also keeps the pets safe and prevents them from escaping. Imagine how you would feel if your client's cat ran off during your watch? It may seem like a "no brainer," but one of the most important tasks is to ask clients to thoroughly clean flooring and carpets to eliminate pet odors. To make sure the smell is completely eliminated, have them ask a friend or neighbor to do a "sniff test." Quite often, homeowners get used to the smells in their home and don't notice pet odors anymore. Suggest that they vacuum carpets and clean floors more frequently while their home is on the market. If they can't rid the home of pet smells and stains, they should replace the flooring. The good news is, if your clients take extra care keeping the home visibly "pet free" during the listing period, they may sell it faster and at a higher price—less nickel-and-diming over cleaning or replacement costs!