I love my German Shepherd, and I love other people's dogs too. The thing is, the more homes I show and sell, the more I hear first hand, the not-so-nice reactions of potential Buyers regarding pets in the home...
If You Want To Get The HIGHEST & BEST PRICE For Your Home... Put Away Everything That Belongs To Your Animals. Although as a Seller, you must still disclose (on a form) to the Buyer that you own a pet(s), it is much better if you do not display this fact also.
If you have a dog or cat send them away for the showings. Hide the litter box - and any evidence of it's aroma. Here's a big one: Pick up all dog droppings in the yard. Go to your local CVS, and get yourself some Febreeze and Pinesol. Burn some nice scented candles. Mop the floors. Vaccum up any pet fur, and have your carpets cleaned if necessary.
Pet stains, evidence of animals in the yard, and pet fur on the carpet / furniture, along with its smells, can convince a buyer - in an instant - that there are allergens, mites, fleas, and pet urea in the house. I personally helped a client who changed her mind about buying a home due to the smell of pet urine in the garage. If the Seller had bleached the cement, or had the garage high-pressure washed, then the sale would have surely continued on.
So Sellers, in order to achieve your ultimate goal of selling your home for the Highest & Best Price, remember to really think like someone who does not own a pet.
In summary, homes with pets are considered to be less desirable than ones with no pets at all. SO, we Pet-Lovers must do the best we can to clean up, put your animal's toys, blankets, scratching posts, and beds away for showings.
For more help on how to get your home up to par and bringing in the highest and best Offers - Call me.
Temple Schneider-Callahan
REALTOR / BROKER
(805)208-6024
Here's our baby... Britzski - the Real Estate Protector!
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