How to Sell a House with Pets?

Some Condominium complexes do not allow any type of lock-boxes within their rules, regulations, and bylaws.  Lock-boxes make it very convenient for the Seller when they are not available to accommodate a tour.   They afford the Realtor to access a key to the unit when the Seller is away. 

In the case of this story, the Seller made arrangements for me to pick up a key to their unit at their Broker's office, for a well maintained condominium complex in downtown Flossmoor, Illinois.  Since it was a place my Valued Client just had to tour, and the fact she was a past Valued Client from years ago returning to allow me to serve her again, it was my pleasure to make the side trip to pick the key.

The unit was located on the 1st floor, only in this building the 1st floor meant climbing 6 stairs to get to it from the entry into the building.  This meant any unit on the entry level of this condominium building was actually considered the garden level.  We entered the building and turned to the left and walk directly to the unit matching the address on the multiple listing sheet.  I knocked on the door, waited 30 seconds for any sound of anyone being home, then inserted the key in the lock, which opened the front door to what I assumed was the correct unit. 

Greeting us was a large most beautiful friendly pedigree dog.  My Valued Client standing behind me was startled and took a step back.  She said Dale I don't think I want to see this place now.  I asked her to give me a minute to secure the dog.  She said she'd wait in the hall until I did.  I could tell this was a smart dog with English as his second language.  I just knew if I found the right words, he would understand what I needed him to do.  As I was finding the words, I noticed there was a back door to the unit.  Finally I found the words do you want to go for a walk.  He understood me and walked with me to the back door. 

Opening the door I discovered there was a back hallway he could spend a few minutes in while we toured the unit.  I returned to the front door to give my Valued Client access to the unit.  As we toured it we noticed the results of what happens whenever we have overslept and rushed out to make it to work on time.  There were unmade beds, dishes left in the sink, and clothes on the floor.  Definitely not what would be expected of a motivated Seller.  As you can guess, the showing did not go very well and was over quickly. 

Fortunately for me, no other Owners returned to accidentally let the dog out of the rear hallway.  I let the dog back in to the unit, thanked him for his kind cooperation, locked the front door, and returned the key back to the Seller's broker's office.  Later that afternoon the Listing Broker called me to ask for my most honest feedback of her listing.  I proceeded to tell her the showing did not go well because perhaps the Seller was not notified in time to prepare?  I told her the highlight though was the cool dog. 

She stopped me immediately and said Dale, I don't think you were in the unit I have listed?  I said well, the key opened the door and let me in.  We both paused for about 10 seconds then exclaimed at the same time "Master-Key!"  She asked, did I climb any stairs to get to the unit.  Upon my answer we knew the truth that sets us all free.  Had it not been for my encounter with that amazing dog, she would have never known anyone touring the unit for-sale would have had access to every unit in the building. 

My respected colleague Sherry below shares some suggestions on how to best prepare for tours when the Seller owns a cherished four legged pet.  Please keep in mind she gives recommendations for the best way to prepare.  Sherry's realistic recommendations are not necessarily the most affordable preparations.  I trust when you review her great well thought out suggestions gained through her numerous Client related experiences, you will use your best judgment to select the best alternatives for your own budget....