FAQ ABOUT STAGING -  What about my pets while I'm selling my home?

We all love our pets. Whether a dog, cat, rodent or snake, they are special to us.

Unfortunately, like our memories, they are only special to us. When we are selling our homes, pets are another distraction for the Buyer. You should not narrow the number of Buyers who will love your home to pet owners.

The facts are that some Buyers will turn and leave if they hear a dog barking, see a cat or pet cage. This may be due to allergies, fear or the assumption that the house has been 'soiled' in some way by the pet.

Also consider the effect on your pet if their turf is invaded by total strangers while alone in the house. This can be very stressful for them. A normally friendly pet can become territorial. Your house cat may bolt through the front door.

Buyers without pets have very sensitive noses and pick up on animal scents in the house that you no longer detect.

So what do you do with pets?

  1. Keep their toys, beds and dishes put away for viewings. Buyers do not always look where they are walking and may trip.
  2. Wash the pet bed. Keep cages extra clean. Shampoo that spot on the carpet soiled from coat oil.
  3. Change the kitty litter daily and keep the litter box in a discrete spot. You never know when Fluffy is going to use it.
  4. Consider sending your pet to grandma's for the first 2 or 3 weeks when the Buyer traffic will be the heaviest. This means less stress for the pet and less work for you.
  5. Take the pet with you for viewings.
  6. If the pet is home alone while you work, consider using a pet day care center. Arrange for a walker to come and take Fido out during the viewings. Perhaps a neighbor would pop over and put him in their back yard briefly.
  7. Bathe your pet more often to keep away any scents.

 

Don't let your pet or your sale suffer. Work with your Realtor and arrange a plan that solves this 'problem'.

 

 

 

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12 Comments on FAQ ABOUT HOME STAGING - What about my pets?

MAY
31
510,888 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

We used to take all three of our dogs in the van with us during a showing so they weren't present. We also recommend always getting the carpet cleaned whether you think it needs it or not... pet smells can be very subtle, which the sellers might not even notice.

Gretchen
6:40pm • #1
1,023,886 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This is always a tough issue.  I think your advise is really good. 
7:16pm • #2
508,543 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

These are great tips Janice.  You make good points about making sure the seller doesn't loose out on potential buyers, but also about making an effort to think about how the pets feel.  It really is in their best interest for most pets not to be in the home during showings.

I totally agree with you, Gretchen.  Often times we aren't as aware of the smells in our own home as someone else that comes into it.  Having the carpet cleaned, and even putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls, can go a long way into making everything smell better!
7:21pm • #3
JUN
01
545,171 Points 120 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Janice:  Those are VERY good suggestions.  I am a dog person and every home that I showed with cats had those critters coming directly to me and wrapping themselves around my legs.  Not my favourite thing.  I also had a client so deathly afraid of cats that she could not enter a home with even a hint of cat.  Pets can deter buyers.  
3:13am • #4
447,681 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I recently showed a home where the sellers had put their very large dog in a small cage in a spare bedroom. When we walked in s/he got all excited and started barking and lunging and the cage started moving around the room. It wasn't a pleasant sight at all and it made us all uncomfortable.
5:19am • #5
474,487 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Gretchen, it's always best to take the dog or perhaps in a carrier the cat with you for viewings. For so many reasons, shampooing the carpets is always a good move.
7:32am • #6
474,487 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Gene! and thanks for the re-blog.
7:33am • #7
474,487 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Lawrence, thanks. Sellers do have to become aware of the 'smell' in thier home.
7:35am • #8
474,487 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Yes they can Valerie. I know what you mean about the cats around your legs LOL. I'm not too kean on being humped by a dog either ;).
7:36am • #9
474,487 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Malcolm, been there LOL. It's usually a Shepherd for some reason. I'm not too fond of any large dog barking at me while I'm doing a consult.
7:38am • #10
227,499 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Janice, great question to answer. Pets create a huge destruction for buyers, but this argument doesn't usually work with the pet owners, than I like to mention to them  that it is not safe for your pet to have all kinds of people over in the house. Pet owners do not understand "you don't know what is on pet's mind" if we talk about their own pets, because they believe that their "kids" can't harm anyone, but "you don't know what is on people mind" sometimes works better ;-)
5:49pm • #11
JUN
02
474,487 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

That's right Anna, they have to consider the safety of their pets as well as the Buyer's concerns.
12:50pm • #12

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Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional

Burlington, ON

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Janice Ankrett Home Staging

Cell Phone: (905) 467-5353

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Home Staging tips and advice offered to help sellers. Working in Burlington Ont. and surrounding areas Janice Ankrett ASP helps sellers prepare their homes for sale. Janice works with real estate agents and owners to help the home sell as quickly as possible for the best possible price.


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