In this series about switching from 'living' mode to 'selling' mode I should address the issue of Pets.
Many sellers have them - cats, dogs, gerbils, hedge hogs, lizards, birds etc.
Everyone is attached to their pets and wants the best for them.
Now that you are in selling mode with your home on the market your pet(s) is part of the equation.
When you are selling you want the best price possible to get your equity out of the home. This means you need to appeal to as many buyers as possible.
Your home needs to 'talk' to buyers who do not own pets as well as to pet owners.
As a Stager I recommend to pet owners selling a home to:
- send the pet on a holiday to a relatives if possible
- use a doggy day care if the dog is home alone while you work
- keep the pet's environment extra clean while selling ( cage bedding, kitty litter)
- put toys and beds and dishes away for viewings
- bathe your pet more often
- vacuum pet hair daily
- take your pet with you if you are leaving for a viewing
- ask a neighbor to walk your dog if the Realtor calls
- shampoo carpeting
- deodorize soft furniture that holds the scent
WHY are these steps necessary:
- having their territory invaded by strangers while you are at work is stressful for your pet
- buyers and agents would prefer not to have to cope with a loose pet no matter how friendly
- no one wants to listen to a barking crated dog while they view a house
- there is a danger that your pet could escape out the door
- petless buyers may imagine a 'pet smell' that they don't want to deal with
- toys, dishes etc can be a tripping hazard to buyers who are not always watching where they are stepping
- like non-smokers, non-animal people can immediately pick up on 'that' smell in a home
The buyer should remember their favorite feature of the house NOT how cute or disruptive or smelly they thought your pet was when they leave.
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