Your pets may be part of your family, but when it comes to selling your home, their life in the house means that you’ll need to take some special measures to make your house attractive even to those who are pet-free. Here are a few tips on keeping you and Fido happy, while still maximizing your chances for an easy and lucrative sale:
Tips for animal lovers who have one or more pets and want to sell their homes.
1. Consider the buyers.
While many people love cats and dogs, some just aren’t fans, while others may be downright afraid of animals. Not to mention the many people who are allergic to pet hair and dander. Consider removing your beloved pet to a safe and comfortable place while you’re trying to sell. This may be at a kennel, with a friend, or with family. It may seem hard-hearted, but remember: you’re trying to get a good price for your home. After the deal is done, use some of that sales money to buy Poochie and Mittens some new toys, and they’ll easily forgive you for their hardships.
2. Tidy up.
If Fifi is with your sister until the sale of the home, remove all of her various accoutrement from sight, and keep it hidden. Not only can the pet items be cluttery, they can tip some potential buyers to scrutinize the home for pet damage, which may adversely affect their offering price. For the same reason, you may want to temporarily remove photos of your pets from your home.
3. Be conscientious.
If you simply can’t bear (or afford) to part with your pets while your home is on the market, be conscientious when it comes to the strangers entering your home. Your pets should be contained in a single room for showings, and you should note for realtors and buyers which room the pet is in. (You don’t want anyone or any animal suffering an unwelcome surprise!). You can leave information about that room with the note so that buyers get a sense of what they were unable to see.
4. Keep clean.
If your animal is a shedder, stay on top of the hair buildup by vacuuming your home daily. Those with dogs may find that using a carpet powder can minimize animal odors, and all pet owners will get good mileage from using the brush attachment to keep upholstered furniture clean and hair-free.
5. Tackle stains.
Pet stains are not necessarily irrevocable. The Humane Society has good information on preventing and treating pet stains and odors, which may be helpful for moderate damage. Good tips include using deodorizers, steam cleaners, and enzymatic cleaners.
As you can see, selling a home in which a pet lives (or until recently lived) presents its own set of challenges and duties. But if you keep focused on the prize—the highest possible price for your home—you’ll likely find that both you and your pets can take a bit of temporary inconvenience for the sake of your long term goals.
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