Got pets and need to sell?
It can be challenging selling your home with pets. Most homeowners that have pets consider them part of the family, but not everyone agrees. Buyers may or may not have pets and want to see themselves living in their new home, and that means making the best attempt at removing any traces of our little four-legged friends. The dog beds, the cat crates, reptile cages, the hair, the chew marks, and the smell all need to be removed before the first showing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on selling your home with pets.
People love their animals. Preparing your home for sale when you have pets doesn’t have to be difficult. Let’s take a look at several steps you can take to showcase your house without any help from your furry family members.
Pet odor and stain removal
Even a pet-loving buyer will be turned off if the house smells. Pets and smoking odors are rated as the two top unpleasantries buyers have mentioned when viewing a home. You, most likely, have become “nose blind” to your household pets odors, so ask a trusted friend or your real estate professional to do a sniff check. Be sure to have your floor coverings professionally cleaned with solutions that remove organic smells and stains. Keep your pets bedding clean and ready to take with you when you receive the showing request. The same goes for food and water bowls. Be sure to bathe your dogs weekly as unbathed dogs tend to become stinky and your pets odors work into the carpets, furniture upholstery and the window coverings. Inside cats rarely need bathing, but if they do, a rubdown with a wet towel is a good option. Have a fish tank or hamster cage you can’t relocate or hide? Make sure it’s squeaky clean too. Once you have deep cleaned be sure to replace all of your air filters as they could emit your pets smells into your home and all of your cleaning will be for naught.
Dog and cat fur removal
While your property is on the market, be sure to vacuum and sweep daily to remove pet hair. Be sure to get under the furniture as well. Wipe down cabinets and dust those shelves. Brushing your pets twice a week or so will minimize their shedding.
Repair pet damage
If your pets have marked up the trim, doors or walls, please replace, repaint and/or fill in these dings before making your home available for showings. If your floors are noticeably scratched or ripped up, refinish or repair them. Signs of damages made by pets serve as a negative tip-off and may cause a buyer to pass on your house. It can also cause them to question what other issues may be waiting to be discovered. Examine every inch of your home for any damage that your pets may have caused and either fix it or move it out of sight.
Clean up your yard
Whether it’s holes where a bone has been buried, a garden dug up by cats or rabbits, or waste landmines in the grass, give your outdoor space some attention and clean up any messes. If your pets have torn up the lawn, it’s best to reseed or lay sod to boost the curb appeal.
Move or hide pet accessories for the professional photographer your real estate agent hires. Buyers viewing your property’s listing online will see if there’s a cat condo or hamster wheel in the photos.
Showings and your pets
Now, it’s time to be ready for showings and vacate the premises. Your pets, and all of their belongings, should be removed from the house during showings. This will remove the risk of a pet biting or scratching prospective buyers or their children. Discuss with your real estate agent about having your home showings by appointment only with perhaps an hour’s notice. This will help you in preparing to load up your pets and all of their equipment when you get the call. If that’s not possible make plans with a friend, relative or neighbor to pet sit at their home during showings.
Your pet will always be a part of your household. But, when it comes to selling, the key is to ensure nothing prevents a buyer from falling in love with your home. The time you take in preparing your home will pay off with a successful sale.
If you would like more information regarding selling your home, contact us here at The Old Mill Group and we can help.
Selling Your Home With Pets
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