Pet owners often face difficulties when going through the home selling process. Pets can be cute and friendly, but they also cause distraction or even make your home unappealing to potential buyers. If you’re a pet owner currently selling your house, or planning to put it on the market, here are some helpful tips to sell your home.
Give your pet a vacation: During the home showing process, temporary relocation by letting a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to watch your pet(s) should be top priority. This will allow for your home to be pet-free, stay clean, and eliminates the risk of any messes or damage. And it will make your life easier and your home easier to sell.
Have pet-free showings: If you don’t want to relocate your pet, just make sure they are out of the house when you are showing. While many potential buyers might be as big a pet lover as you, there are many who are not. There are allergies to consider, the chance for your pet to attempt an escape, small children who might be just a little too curious, and the unpredictable nature of your pet. Even if your furry friend has never shown signs of aggression, a home showing involves many new people invading their territory. It’s better to not take a chance. You can be held liable if someone is injured by your pet—which could get expensive. To avoid all possible problems, it’s best to make sure your home is completely pet-free during all showings of your home.
If you can’t bear to part ways or cannot find someone to watch your pet, either crate them or keep them confined to an area of your home. Be sure to tell your real estate agent and any potential buyers where your pet is located. It cannot be emphasized enough that at no point during a showing should your pet be wandering free!
Repair damage: Make repairs to any areas of your home that have been damaged. Pets can be brutal on carpets, hardwood floors, doors, and even the walls. Repairing any problem areas can get pricy, but your potential buyers will thank you. Your home will look much more attractive and appealing without claw marks or chewed up doorways. You’ll find the costs were worth it for the value you get for your home.
Remove pet odors and stains: It’s your home, so you’ve probably gone “nose-blind” to the pet smells. Those potential buyers certainly aren’t, so be sure to try and rid your home of any pet odors and smells. It might be easy to hide a litterbox, but it can be much harder to try to rid your carpet/flooring of past accidents. If you’ve done everything in your power and nothing seems to work, consider hiring a professional cleaning service (which might be a good investment regardless of pets!). Reptile tanks and cages should be regularly cleaned if they cannot be easily removed or hidden. Potential buyers will remember what they see and smell, so try to make your home squeaky clean!
Clean the yard: Don’t let your potential buyers step in poop! Go around your yard to find all unwanted items and fill in any holes. Make sure waste is disposed of in a secure bin or away from your home so there are no unpleasant odors. Nice yards can be a huge selling point for prospective buyers, so it is vital to have your yard looking the best it can.
Leave no trace: Like most pet lovers, your collection of pet supplies can be a lot. Gather up all your leashes, collars, brushes, toys, funny costumes, bowls, etc., and put them out of sight. Potential buyers don’t want to see clutter when touring your home. There are probably a few items that are impossible to hide, and that’s okay. Just make sure the items are clean and attractive—no ratty beds or shredded toys. Clean up as much pet hair as you can find; give your furniture and floors a good deep cleaning. Potential buyers will probably figure out there are pets that live in your home, but they will certainly appreciate your efforts!
Selling a home with pets can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Don’t let potential buyers walk away because you didn’t prepare for your home showcase. Keeping your home clean and pet-free will have all parties involved safe and happy.
If you are ready to sell your home and start shopping for a new one, click here or contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators to get started today!