Selling your house? Don't let 
block this 
If your house is on the market you want your home to appeal to as many Buyers as possible.... you don't want anything that will distract from their seeing your house as "their next home".
It's not that Buyers don't like pets... in fact many buyers are or have been pet owners. But, pets can be a distraction. Buyers may spend so much time "oohing and ahh-ing" over your pet, they may not focus on all your house has to offer.
And, that distinctive "Eau de Pet" scent your home may have is a definite turn off. So is worn or stained carpeting and pet products throughout the house.
If you have pets and are planning on selling your home consider this:
1. All of us are immune to odors (good and bad) in our homes. Enlist your neighbor, Realtor, friend or family member and get their honest opinion. 
2. Wash all pet beds, cages, toys, etc often to remove odors. For plastic toys you can use a half solution of bleach and water; cloth toys can be washed in your washing machine.
3. Replace worn or pet stained carpeting. Cat urine is infamous for having an infinite "shelf life"!
4. Repair or replace doors or screens that your pets have damaged.
5.Fabrics in your house may have absorbed pet odors as well. Make sure these are cleaned. For example, your fabric sofas and chairs, often a favorite of dogs and cats need to be thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed. Use whatever the manufacturer recommends or seek the advice of a professional cleaner.
6. Don't forget Lucky... bathe your pets often. 
And, when showing your house:
Hide or remove pet toys, beds and water bowls.
Arrange to have your pets out of the home. Consider boarding them for the day if you are not able to remove them yourself. Look at the cost of boarding your dog or cat as an investment in selling your house.
Vacuum daily.
Don't cover up odors with candles or heavily scented room deodorizers. When you're home, open windows to thoroughly air-out your house.
Comments(20)