Five Essential Tips for Selling a Home with Pets
5 Essential Tips for Selling Your Home with Pets
Anyone with a pet knows they provide companionship, emotional support, and unconditional love—they’re truly part of the family! But when it comes to selling your home, signs of pet ownership can turn potential buyers away. To ensure a successful sale and keep your pets happy, follow these five essential tips:
1. Consult Your Vet for a Stress-Free Plan
Selling your home can disrupt your pets' routines, leading to anxiety and confusion. Before you start the process, consult your vet to create a game plan that minimizes stress for your furry friends. Your vet can offer expert advice tailored to your pet’s specific needs, helping them adjust to the changes ahead.
2. Remove All Signs of Pets
While you love your pets, potential buyers might not feel the same way. To make your home more appealing, erase all signs of pet ownership. This includes removing toys, beds, litter boxes, and food dishes—preferably storing them elsewhere, like in your car. Regularly vacuum to eliminate pet hair and ensure the home is free of pet odors. Remember, your goal is to make buyers unaware that pets live in the home.
3. Take Your Pets with You During Showings
Pets can be a distraction during showings and open houses. To avoid any complications or potential issues, it’s best to remove your pets from the home during these times. Consider these options:
Have a friend or relative care for your pet.
Board your pet at a kennel for the first few days the home is on the market.
Treat your pet to a day at the spa.
Bring your pet to work with you.
Take your pet for a long walk or hike during the showing.
Removing pets from the home not only reduces stress for them but also helps you avoid potential legal issues.
4. Give Your Pet Extra Love and Attention
Selling a home can be just as stressful for your pets as it is for you. Their daily routine will be disrupted by new people, unfamiliar smells, and moving furniture—all of which can cause anxiety. Make sure to give your pet extra love and attention during this time to help them feel secure and comforted.
5. Eliminate All Pet Odors
Pet odors can be a major turnoff for potential buyers, so it’s crucial to eliminate them completely. Don’t just mask smells with candles or air fresheners—deep clean your home using pet-specific deodorizer and enzyme cleaners that neutralize odors. Pay special attention to areas like couch cushions, curtains, rugs, and upholstery.
Pro tip: Consider using an air purifier to ensure the air in your home is fresh and odor-free.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About Your Neighbor’s Pets
Sometimes, the pets next door can affect your home sale. A barking dog or a growling pet at the fence can deter potential buyers. If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, kindly ask them to keep their pets indoors during showings. You might even offer to pay for a dog walker during open houses or inspections. If all else fails, use white noise like an outdoor fountain to mask the sound of barking.
Final Thoughts
You love your pets, and it’s hard to imagine anyone disliking them. However, to sell your home quickly and for the best possible price, it’s important to minimize the signs of pet ownership. Follow these tips to ensure your home appeals to buyers while keeping your pets happy and stress-free..