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):
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! |
