Last month, we published a blog post with seven tips for selling your home — and this month, we want to dive a little deeper into the topic for pet owners. As much as you love your furry friend and consider them a member of the family, know that some buyers won’t be as keen to know a dog or cat lived in the house before them. So what do you need to do to sell your home with pets? Read on for five things to consider.
How to Sell Your Home as a Pet Owner
Do a deep clean: Of course, every home has dust and cobwebs that need to be swept away, but add dog or cat hair to that, and you’ve got yourself some cleaning to do! Pay close attention to any stains or odors that your pet may have left. For instance, if your puppy had a few too many accidents on your basement carpet, consider hiring professional cleaners. You may even want to consider replacing it, as a strong odor is one of the top reasons a buyer won’t make an offer on a home. And of course, don’t forget to pick up your yard! That last thing you want is a potential buyer stepping in your dog’s mess.
Repair any damage: If your pet has left their mark on your hardwood floors, window sills, or door frames (hello, teething puppy!), it’s time to pay for repairs. Some of them may be easy to fix with a coat of paint, while others may require more of an investment. Either way, it’s worth the money if you want to sell your home for top dollar.
Talk to your vet: Before you make any changes to your animal’s daily life or routine, talk to your vet. If you have an older pet or one who struggles with anxiety, it’s important to have a careful plan in place. Selling a home can just as stressful for your pet as it is for you, the homeowner!
Temporarily relocate your pet: If houses tend to sell quickly in your area, it may be best to temporarily relocate your pet before you host showings or an open house. That way, you can eliminate all signs of them, from their beds and toys to their food and water bowls. Plus, once you do a deep clean, you won’t have to worry about obsessively spot cleaning for shedding hair or muddy paw prints.
Remove pets whenever potential buyers are in the house: At the very least, you need to have a plan in place for removing your pet from the home during scheduled appointments with buyers. Not only is it an added concern for a real estate agent to keep up with your pet during showings, but it also poses a liability issue. If you can’t remove them from the house due to work or another commitment, confine them to a laundry room or small section of the backyard, and let the agent know ahead of time.
Remember: At The Urban Dog Group, we always have your — and your pets’ — best interests in mind.
Let The Urban Dog Group help you with your real estate needs! Contact Christine Elias at caerealestate@gmail.com.
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