Home Selling Tips for Pet Owners

Home Selling Tips for Pet Owners

I am a pet owner.  I have two cats (Larry and Lulu).  I think they are the greatest.... although I try to curb my enthusiasm because I feel like I am not ready to become a "Cat Lady" quite yet!  I am not just a fan of my cats though, I love all pets!  But that doesn't mean that I like to see evidence of pets when I'm showing a house.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are a pet enthusiast trying to sell your house:

1) Do not leave your animals at the house when showings are scheduled.  This doesn't just apply to large pets, this goes for birds, cats, dogs, snakes and any other pet you might have.  Here's why: not everyone is a pet lover.  I showed a house last week to a couple and their young son who were afraid of animals (yes, even a friendly little lap dog who just wanted to say hello).  They were very uncomfortable walking through the home because of this.  Those with a true phobia of animals will probably bolt from your home at the first sight of a pet.  You want potential buyers to feel comfortable in your home.

2) Remove the cat litter, house training paper etc.... when buyers are coming in.  First of all, it looks messy and is not aesthetically pleasing to anyone.  Secondly, even if you don't notice it, there is probably an odor that buyers will pick up on. 

3) Hire a professional cleaning company to give your home a good cleaning once a month while it is on the market (in addition you cleaning prior to each showing).  I know first hand that it is an impossible task to clean pet hair (it is a never ending battle that I am losing in my own home).  Pet hair in a carpet looks dirty and will be an issue for any potential buyer that has allergies.

Here's the bottom line

When I think of pets, I think of these two

But not everyone does:

Buyers have a lot to choose from and to be competitive, you need your home to appeal to the widest pool of potential buyers.  Turning off non pet lovers could be the difference in your house selling in the first week or having to make a couple more months of mortgage payments! 

Check back for more home selling tips for pet owners!