Dealing with the Cat Litter Box and Home Selling in Sacramento

Elizabeth, reminds me of a house I had listed a few years ago that became known as the 'Cat House.'  It sold because of its location.  New owners hired specialist to seal the hardwood floors and trim.  Costly.

Hi Elizabeth - I love pets as much as anyone . . . but they often lower a home's value. Cats leaving their scent, large dogs chewing baseboards and destroying the yard. I have never put a price tag on it but it is a factor. Regards Dave

That is a tough question.  I used to say that pictures on the internet of listings do not smell of cat urine.  Slightly off topic, but the point was that one had to actually see the house and "smell" it.  Some smells are turnoffs.  To some buyer, they may not care about the urine smell-- just as long as they knew they were getting a house that was bought by someone in distress, hence thinking they were getting a deal...

I've been in some homes where the pet odor is so bad it makes me gag.  Definitely take into account new carpet and pad, cleaning out the air ducts and possibly even some sub-flooring replacement.

Oh this is a horrible subject to have to deal with and to try to get rid of that horrid smell and then pricing the home right. We can just hope we don't encounter this problem to often and have to come up with a solution.

Morning Elizabeth I wonder now that you mentioned it how many of the homes we visit really needs to have a condition examined that we haven't thought about.  Good post thanks

  It is unlikely just the carpet...it is the pad and as probably the flooring underneath that will have to be replaced she says as a former landlady.