Selling a home with a pet in residence can be a difficult undertaking. Many home buyers - even those with pets of their own at home - can be put off by your pets when they come by to see your home.
Pets Can Make Visitors Nervous
No one thinks of their own pet as scary. But even the mildest mannered cat or dog (not to mention snakes or mice!) can make a visitor nervous. Perhaps the most common response from a home seller about the “threat” posed by their pet is denial: “Newton is a sweetheart. He won’t hurt anyone.” But no owner can be certain of how a pet will respond when strangers enter the home in their absence. An unexpected reaction could frighten potential buyers away before they've even looked at your home.
Visitors Can Make Pets Nervous
Unfortunately it can be hard to explain to your pet that you need to get the house "sold." Your pets love you, and sometimes when they see people they don't know wandering about your home, they think they are being helpful by protecting it from the strangers. Having a growling dog, no matter what size it is, standing at the backyard sliding door doesn't always give people that warm and fuzzy feeling about your home.
Ask Friends for Help
The safest course of action is to remove a pet from the home while it is being shown, or during any open houses that your realtor has on your property. Ask friends, neighbors, or family members to care for the pet, or take it to a close by "doggie daycare" type of facility. If you know a realtor is bringing someone by to see your home, take your dog for a walk around the block, and leave prior to their arrival. If this is not possible, put your pet into a carrier during showings and alert visitors not to disturb it. Multiple dogs can also be even more challenging, so you might want to take advantage of the open house day to take your dogs to the groomers.
Remove Stains and Odors
It is sometimes difficult for owners to realize that their home may smell like their pets. Don't let the smell be the first thing potential buyers notice about your home. Buyers also frequently take issue with a pet's impact on the cleanliness and condition of the home. Pet stains, odors and damage are a big turn-off and can significantly decrease your home’s value in the market.
Use the Professionals
To help your home bring the highest possible price, remove stains and repair any damage your pet may have caused. Consider having your home professionally cleaned, and have a friend verify that your home doesn’t have an objectionable odor. Store pet accessories out of sight or in only one location.
The goal: to create a positive first impression with potential buyers.
Pamela Blankenship
DRE License #00690066
Century 21 Adobe Realty
5627 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills
818-874-1234 Home Office
818-879-1888 Cell
