Selling a home can be a complex and challenging process, and it becomes even more so when you have pets in the mix. As a pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friends are comfortable and safe during the home-selling process, while also presenting your home in the best possible light to potential buyers. To help you navigate this unique situation, experienced realtor Loretta Starck from RE/MAX Elite will provide you with valuable tips for selling a home with pets. From preparing your home for showings to managing pet-related challenges, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully sell your home while keeping your pets happy and stress-free.
Top Tips for Selling a Home with Pets
Remove Pet Odors and Stains
One of the most critical steps in preparing your home for sale is to eliminate any pet-related odors and stains. Even if you don’t notice any noticeable odors, potential buyers with a sensitive sense of smell may be able to detect pet smells that you are accustomed to. To tackle this, make sure to thoroughly clean and deodorize your home, including carpets, upholstery, and other areas where your pets spend time. Use enzymatic cleaners that are specifically designed to break down pet odors and stains, and consider getting professional carpet cleaning services if needed. Also, keep in mind that some buyers may be allergic to pet dander, so it’s essential to remove as much pet hair as possible from your home.
Deep Clean Your Home
In addition to addressing pet-related odors and stains, it’s crucial to deep clean your entire home before putting it on the market. This includes not only the areas where your pets frequent but also all other rooms, including bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, and living spaces. Pay extra attention to areas that may have been neglected due to your pets, such as under furniture, behind appliances, and in corners where pet hair and dander can accumulate. A clean and fresh-smelling home will create a more positive impression on potential buyers and make it easier for them to envision themselves living in your space.
Minimize Pet Presence During Showings
When it comes to showings and open houses, it’s generally best to minimize the presence of your pets as much as possible. Some buyers may be uncomfortable around pets or have allergies, and seeing or interacting with your pets during showings could distract them from focusing on the features of your home. Therefore, consider arranging for your pets to be temporarily relocated during showings, either to a trusted friend or family member’s home or to a professional pet boarding service. If temporary relocation is not feasible, confine your pets to a specific area of your home that will be off-limits to potential buyers, and make sure that the area is clean, odor-free, and well-groomed.
Remove Pet-related Items and Clutter
Another important step in preparing your home for sale with pets is to remove any pet-related items and clutter. This includes pet toys, food bowls, litter boxes, and any other pet accessories that may be visible during showings. These items can be distracting to potential buyers and may give the impression that your home is not well-maintained or clean. To create a more neutral and appealing environment, store away all pet-related items and declutter your home as much as possible. This will allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home without being reminded of your pets.
Repair Pet-related Damage
Pets can sometimes cause damage to your home, such as scratches on doors or walls, chewed furniture, or urine stains on carpets. It’s crucial to address and repair any pet-related damage before putting your home on the market. Fix scratches, repaint walls if needed, repair chewed furniture, and replace carpets or clean them thoroughly to remove any pet stains. Taking care of these repairs will help ensure that your home looks well-maintained and appealing to potential buyers.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is important when selling any home, and it’s no different when you have pets. Make sure the outside of your home looks clean and well-groomed, including the front yard, porch, and backyard. Pick up any pet waste, trim overgrown plants, and remove any visible pet-related items, such as dog houses or litter boxes. Keeping the exterior of your home in top condition will create a positive first impression for potential buyers and set the stage for a successful showing.
Be Flexible with Showings
Selling a home with pets may require some extra flexibility with showings. Potential buyers may have different schedules or preferences when it comes to viewing homes, and accommodating their needs may mean making adjustments to your usual routine with your pets. Be prepared to have your home available for showings at different times of the day or week, and be willing to make arrangements for your pets, such as temporary relocation or confining them to a specific area during showings. Flexibility and accommodation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth home-selling process with pets.
Highlight Pet-friendly Features of Your Home
While some buyers may be hesitant about purchasing a home with pets, others may see it as a positive feature. If your home has pet-friendly features, such as a fenced backyard, a designated pet area, or easy access to nearby parks or trails, make sure to highlight these features in your listing and during showings. This can attract potential buyers who have pets and make your home stand out among other listings. Additionally, if you have made any upgrades or renovations to your home to accommodate your pets, such as installing pet doors or adding a pet-friendly flooring, make sure to showcase these improvements as well.
Be Transparent about Pet-related Information
When selling a home with pets, it’s essential to be transparent about any pet-related information that may impact potential buyers. This includes disclosing any pet-related odors or stains that may still be present despite your efforts to clean, any past or current pet-related damage to your home, and any neighborhood or community rules or restrictions related to pets. Being upfront and honest about these factors can help build trust with potential buyers and prevent any surprises or disappointments down the road.
In Conclusion
Selling a home with pets requires some extra effort and preparation, but it’s definitely possible to do so successfully. By following these tips and working with an experienced realtor like Loretta Starck, you can effectively sell your home while taking care of your pets. Remember to properly prepare your home for showings, eliminate pet-related odors and stains, make necessary repairs, highlight pet-friendly features, be transparent about pet-related information, and be flexible with showings. With the right approach and attention to detail, you can sell your home with pets and find a new happy home for both you and your furry friends.
