FAQ ABOUT STAGING -  What about my pets while I'm selling my home?

We all love our pets. Whether a dog, cat, rodent or snake, they are special to us.

Unfortunately, like our memories, they are only special to us. When we are selling our homes, pets are another distraction for the Buyer. You should not narrow the number of Buyers who will love your home to pet owners.

The facts are that some Buyers will turn and leave if they hear a dog barking, see a cat or pet cage. This may be due to allergies, fear or the assumption that the house has been 'soiled' in some way by the pet.

Also consider the effect on your pet if their turf is invaded by total strangers while alone in the house. This can be very stressful for them. A normally friendly pet can become territorial. Your house cat may bolt through the front door.

Buyers without pets have very sensitive noses and pick up on animal scents in the house that you no longer detect.

So what do you do with pets?

1. Keep their toys, beds and dishes put away for viewings. Buyers do not always look where they are walking and may trip.
2. Wash the pet bed. Keep cages extra clean. Shampoo that spot on the carpet soiled from coat oil.
3. Change the kitty litter daily and keep the litter box in a discrete spot. You never know when Fluffy is going to use it.
4. Consider sending your pet to grandma's for the first 2 or 3 weeks when the Buyer traffic will be the heaviest. This means less stress for the pet and less work for you.
5. Take the pet with you for viewings.
6. If the pet is home alone while you work, consider using a pet day care center. Arrange for a walker to come and take Fido out during the viewings. Perhaps a neighbor would pop over and put him in their back yard briefly.
7. Bathe your pet more often to keep away any scents.

Don't let your pet or your sale suffer. Work with your Realtor and arrange a plan that solves this 'problem'.