Don't Let Your Pet Cost You an Offer

Not every home buyer is a pet-lover. It’s important to remember when selling your home, you are in the business of marketing. Your goal should be to get as many people as possible to fall in love with your home and put in an offer. If you get sentimental about your cat or dog being displaced during home showings, you are limiting yourself from potential buyers. It is a short-term inconvenience that will lead to a long-term reward.

Many buyers are scared of animals, allergic to fur, or associate them with bad smells and being dirty. It is up to you as the seller to make the potential buyers feel comfortable in your home. Animals at the showing are a quick way to miss out on offers.

 

PET FREE ZONE

Make your house a pet-free zone when you have potential buyers. This does not mean confine your cat to the laundry room or put your dog in the backyard until the showing is over. They need to be out of the house entirely. Take them to a family member’s house or a kennel until you have an offer locked in. While they are in the house, they are hurting your chances to sell your home.

 

REMOVE SIGNS OF YOUR ANIMAL

Pet beds, cages, toys, litter boxes, and yes, even cute photos of your furry friend should be packed up and removed while your house is on the market. It might seem extreme but this is the time when your home is making that oh so important “first Impression” on buyers. If that impression is tainted by your pet, it is not a big leap for the potential buyers to start scouring the carpet for any pet stains or funny smells for which they think your pet is responsible.

 

VACUUM, VACUUM, VACUUM

Do it! All the time.

 

FLOOR TREATMENTS

Call a professional to have your floors cleaned. Even if you think your house smells great, a stranger might walk in and immediately spot the house with a house training puppy. Getting out all stains and using pet odor neutralizers will go a long way to making your home feel fresh and well-maintained. If there are stubborn stains or smells, it’s best to replace the flooring before putting your home on the market.

 

Once you have an offer, all the inconveniences will have been worth it. Your pet will settle into a new routine in their new home and all will be well.