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Are Barking Dogs Killing Your Sale?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Crossroads in Cuyahoga Falls and Stow, Ohio

Ouch! 

Nothing says “Get out of my house” faster than a non-stop barking dog that’s either behind closed doors or in a pet crate.  I took a client through a home today and as soon as we entered we were greeted by the sound of non-stop barking.  The dogs – two of them – were in a room off the foyer that had a glass door so we could see the room, and they could see us.

 

 

 

 

The barking made it very difficult to conduct a professional showing of the house.  Sellers need to remove the pets from the house for showings or ask for a reschedule if that is not possible.  What do you think?

Posted by

 

Tony Morganti, CRS, ABR

330-352-9513

Michael Kitsch
Coldwell Banker - Katy, TX
You are barking up the right tree
Feb 24, 2011 02:23 PM
Cindy Westfall
Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon - Tualatin, OR
ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate

Hi Tony, I agree but know it's really hard for some sellers to leave work during the day to remove their pets..especially if there are lots of scheduled showings. If they can't, it's at least good that they are in a kennel or locked up. I was was showing a home and there was no remark about a dog. I went to open the bedroom door and this dog started to snarl and lunge at the door. I just closed it in time! Another time we walked in to a note that said the dog was friendly and to give it a bone (jar on the entry table) we found the poor thing curled up and shaking on a bed..so scared that strangers were walking through the home. It is best if they can take them away if at all possible.

Feb 24, 2011 02:27 PM
Jim Courtney
OklaHomes Realty, Claremore Oklahoma - Claremore, OK
CRS, GRI, AHWD

Yes, the seller needs to remove the barking pets. My dog problem doesn't go away when I show because the dogs are next door. The backyard is very small and whenever someone goes out the side door, the three dogs next door charge the fence! I've assured those touring the home that the dogs would settle done once they get used to them, but it always seems to be an issue! :)

Feb 24, 2011 02:29 PM
Larry Bergstrom
Crescent Realty, Inc. Spanaway, WA. - Spanaway, WA
CNE, CRS, GRI

What's even worse is when the seller's are there and they don't control their dog.

Feb 24, 2011 02:30 PM
Rodney Mason, VP of Mtg Lending
Guaranteed Rate NMLS# 2611 - Atlanta, GA
AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,FL,GA,IN,MI,MS,NC,NV,SC,TN,TX,VA,WA

Barking dogs do make it a harder sell sometimes.  They can be a distraction.

Feb 24, 2011 02:36 PM
Carol Zingone
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Network Realty - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Global Realtor in Jax Beach, FL - ABR, CRS, CIPS

Agreed - it's impossible to focus with barking dogs, does not make anyone feel at home or comfortable - they should be removed for showings.

Feb 24, 2011 02:46 PM
Tony Morganti
RE/MAX Crossroads in Cuyahoga Falls and Stow, Ohio - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
CRS, ABR, SRES - Cuyahoga Falls, Stow

Yes Jim, I've had that problem too.  Much harder to get the neighbor to take their dog away during a showing!

Feb 24, 2011 02:53 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Tony - I think, dog barking can annoy and discourages potential buyers to buy on the same street.

Feb 24, 2011 04:03 PM
Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI
Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro NE - Carmel, IN
Carmel, Fishers, Westfield IN Real Estate Expert

Tony--I agree and I also feel sorry for the dogs that do not understand what these strangers are doing in their home! 

Feb 24, 2011 06:48 PM