As a proud owner of two dogs and two cats, I understand when homeowners are hesitant about removing their pets during the home selling process. It's hard to see past the hairy couch where they cuddle up next to you while watching your favorite show, those chewed-up spots on your molding during their teething phase, or toys flung all over the place after playing fetch (yes even my cat can fetch). When sellers overlook their pets, you’ll find many times Realtors end-up with a snapshot of their client's furry little friends in the picture, rather than those magnificent built-ins and that spells disaster when trying to attract buyers to the home online.
Unfortunately, animals don't sell a home and in many cases they hinder the buyer from even considering the property. According to the Humane Society, more than half of homeowners don’t own pets, making it clear that not every buyer is going to be animal friendly. Often times, buyers are allergic to your client’s loved ones and will avoid walking through the home to feel uncomfortable, which can cost you a sale.
Before putting your client’s pet loving home on the market, get an honest assessment from a home stager to determine what needs to be done to conceal the animals from potential buyers. Here are some products to manage your client’s pets during the selling process.
Curb appeal is top priority during the selling process and when your 4-legged friend decides to use your client’s front lawn as their bathroom, brown spots can appear. The chemical balance of dog urine burns the grass. While watering the grass often deters stubborn spots, you can also use Dogonit (the cure) to help repair your grass.
Inside, pet hair and odor are the biggest problems. Odors can make or break a deal. If your client’s home smells, don't plan on having buyers stay long. To avoid litter box odor use The Scoop Free Automatic Litter Box, it scoops away the contents and contains the smell for weeks at a time. You can also use Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Super Gel, safe for people and pets by using five essential oils to neutralize unwanted odor.
If it’s not the smell, the stains usually say it all. If you aren't sure what the extent of your client’s pet's damage is, have them purchase, rent or borrow a hand-held black light to shine on carpets and other fixtures. Some carpet cleaning kits include a black light for this purpose. Viewing the carpet this way will help decide whether to clean or replace the carpet.
For pet hair, homeowners should vacuum their house every few days. Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum is amazing it not only promotes cleaner air but the vacuum doesn't lose suction. Make sure to vacuum the furniture as well since you never know when a buyer may stop by. To help keep up with shedding use The FURminator it removes your client’s pet's undercoat and can reduce shedding by 90-percent.
Like pet hair, tell your clients to maintain their animal’s nails to avoid scratches on hardwood floor, carpet or furniture. To avoid any more destruction of your client’s home while they’re away give them rubbery toys that stores treats and will keep the pets entertained for hours rather than having them play with shoes, wood or furniture.
While these products are a way for your client to animal-proof their home when selling, many times, homeowners will leave their pets and it puts an added burden on you as a Realtor during a showing or open house. The animal’s behavior, appearance or cleanliness may distract buyers from opening their wallets. Not to mention having the animals left behind gives you automatic responsibility if something happens to your client’s pet. What happens if the pet escapes while your showing the home or worse if it attacks the buyer? So have clients remove all pets items (leashes, cages, food bowls, toys, etc.), as well as, remove their pet when a showing is scheduled.
And remember, It would be a shame to take all of these steps, but still have evidence an animal lives in the home through your MLS pictures, over 93-percent of buyers start their home buying search online, so make sure to cage or remove the animal while photographing your client’s home. It’s a few extra steps before snapping the picture, but it will save you lots of time in the long run.
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