It’s probably hard to imagine but not every homebuyer is going to love your furry friends as much as you do.
It doesn’t matter how often you clean. It doesn’t matter how well-behaved your cats or dogs are. Some buyers are going to be turned off by the sight of your pets, and any signs that they live in your home.
The good news is, your buyer pool doesn’t have to shrink just because you’re selling a home with pets. Here are some simple tips for cat and dog owners who want to impress every seller who walks through the door—whether they love animals or not.
Out of sight, out of mind
Do you have a place for your pets to stay when your home is being shown? If not, find one. Even the quietest animal can repel some buyers—or pose an unnecessary distraction.
Start by tapping your social networks to find a fellow animal lover who might be up for some pet-sitting.
Keeping it clean
Once your pets are out of the house, it’s time for a cleanliness inspection. You wouldn’t believe how many buyers have told me that pet-related stains, odours, and shedding are some of their biggest turn offs.
Stage with a pet-free mindset
Last but not least, remember to remove all traces of your pets from areas that will be visible during home showings. Beds, food bowls, toys—it should all be packed away when homebuyers are scoping out your home.
Find a storage space that’s out of sight. Pack pet-related items in a container with a lid before putting them in a closet.
Trust me, the prep work is worth it. By creating an animal-free environment, you can avoid the headaches that come with selling a home with pet.