I Love Dogs, But Your Not When Showing Your Home

Leolinda, I have my neighbors house on the market and she has three dogs.  They take the dogs to her Mother's when they have a showing.  There are certain times the house can't be shown but it is better than someone being bit.  Every time a showing has to be turned down I call the listing agent and explain.  I do feel bad about the restrictions but we could not figure out another alternative.

Good Blog. I really don't like showing properties with dogs/cats left unattended. I truly don't like the listings that have "please do not let the dog/cat out" or "please make sure to close doors so the dog/cat doesn't run out". I absolutely love animals but hate that I have to be responsible for someone's animal while I am working. I have also been on showings where the loose animal has left a little "prize" sitting in the middle of the floor for us to see. Not a good selling feature. Since the house is on the market the owners should take responsibility to find a place for the animals during showings. I assume the agent has to call to confirm an appointment therefore the home owner should take the animal out during that showing (in the perfect world). I am glad you didn't get hurt with the bite. Just another thing a listing agent should talk to their clients about before taking the listing and another thing that we will always see.

Diane Casale

I have been in similar situations and it is never good.  At least it bit you instead of your client.

I have dogs at home as well, but I have also had many buyers who would not go into a home that I had scheduled to show them because of a nasty-sounding dog inside.

Leolinda, Sellers need to be educated.  Some way, some how, as listing agents we need to be tactful on how they need to control any animal on the premises.  Whether it be a pet snake in an aquarium, a pet iguana, a guinea pig or dog and cat.  Some people are terrified and rightly so.  It could make or break the sale, so why not take care of it up front, or the lack of motivation is not there.

Leolinda, I am so glad you wrote this! The only time I have ever had a dog bite me was at a clients home. The flip side is that I seem to be a magnet for all manner of pets who are just attracted to me for some reason but you never know when one wil suddenly, as you said, turn in to KUJO!

It is crazy that the dog bit you.  You are lucky it didn't break skin.  I also love dogs and must admit I look forward to showing properties with them present.  You must have gotten a bad bunch :)

It is always better to have a couple of different people with keys that the homeowner can call to remove the pets. Rooms that cannot not be seen, or loud barking ruins the showing.

Leolinda,

I am a major dog fan, but they should not be left in ahouse without the owner during a showing. You never know what will happen and there is no better way to lose a client than to have it bitten under your watch.

Marcy

I especially like the big dogs that let you in the home, but they guard the door and won't let you out.  Just another challenge that makes this job so interesting.  Thanks for the post.