Yes, your dog is lovable, but I’m already married!

Todd - Even if the dog is as cute as my new puppy?  Does the same hold true for pot belly pigs?

Seriously, I agree with you.  There are many people who don't like dogs or are nervous around strange dogs, and it doesn't add to the homes ambience.

Todd - A kennelled pig ;)  I love that image.  We have a kennel for our puppy, but he's not spending much time in it. Of course, our house isn't on the market.

I'm going to print this out and show it to my seller!!!  He has a very large dog (who is very mellow and sweet) but even after everything I've told him he STILL thinks it will be ok to leave him loose in the house during showings.  It just makes me want to facepalm!

I also love dogs but not all my clients do. I tell clients to not only take the pets with them but hide all signs of a pet. I've had clients leave right away when they've learned there's a pet in the house.

I recommend taking pets out.  Even in a cage... it makes for a hard sell.

Hi Todd... I love dogs, but even I don't want them running around during showings.  Some buyers are very uneasy about dogs and a loose dog can be a deal killer if they are uncomfortable or overly distracted during the showing.

Todd ~ Wonderful post! I love dogs, but, if you want to sell your house... lets keep the people and dog safe.

He He, our last clients loved their dogs like children... they even had pictures of their dogs that had past on on the living room walls.  They were really nice dogs, but luckily for us, they realized that dogs and clients don't always mix well.  ;-)

this is a great post ! keep them coming!

i look forward to seeing more posts to come!

Amber Bennett

Hi Todd. Unfortunately some sellers do not realize how threatened their dog may feel towards a stranger entering their home. I have had a few close calls when I was with buyers.

Dogs are like wallpaper...it's personal taste and why they have so many varieties because no two are alike and no one wants to be that familiar with yours as yours wants to be with them.  Seriously people also have allergies and other issues, and if they are afraid and/or looking over their shoulder, how much are they going to remember the house.  AND if they are not dog people you've just eliminated potential buyers.

Todd:

I have had some clients who are very uneasy and actually afraid when there is a dog in the house.  The best thing a seller can do is to remove it when there is a showing. (I hate seeing animals in cages.)

Todd, great advice and I couldn't agree with you more!  Hence why I have our daughters little one staying w/us.  Cute but not everyone looking at your home is an animal lover and I've had clients choose NOT to buy a home only because there had been pets living there...  enough of a reason for me. 

Dog lovers can forget that there are many adults who are very afraid of dogs and that can bring the showing to a screetching halt.  One of my team members recently showed a home and a broken fence board in the back yard had the neighbor's large dog frantically running around trying to get back home so check the yards too before entering.

Hi Todd: the oinly visitor I had at an open house last SUnday was a pitbull! Ha! It was walking around the house with no collar and was barking and barking at me.... I was in my car....  listening to a favorite radio show.... When I reported to my owner that he was the only visitor, I was able to get the house reduced by $50,000 ... so that was a nice dog story! Best, Gay

Riley Rover likes to perch under everyone's feet when I have guests come over. He is a bug until he gets his place staked out among us.

Loved your saavy post...including the basset face staring back at me.   Once had one -- his name was Mr. Mort.

Todd, I always recommend that sellers take their pets with them (if at all possible) when the home is being shown. If not, they should be in kennels (dogs, cats and yes, even pigs!) :)

Leilani