How to Sell Your Home With Pets
Selling your home is not an easy task, especially the preparation it takes before putting a sign n the yard. Buyers are picky and they don’t care that you love and spoil your pets. They don’t want to smell them or see them even if they are pet lovers themselves. The reason- they know what pets can do to a home such as soil the flooring, the hair, scratched molding etc.
Here is how to remove evidence of your pets before you sell your home.
* Get rid of the hair! These will require a very good vacuum and will require this to be done many. many times. Don’t forget the furniture and drapes as well.
* Find the “Soiled Spots” on your carpet before the buyers do! This can be done by using a black light at night. When you find those pots, mark them with tape and get them clean! You may need to call a professional cleaner for that. Ask them to use a ”bacteria/enzyme digester.”. This product enters the carpet stain and break down the stains and odor. Sorry, at home cleaners won;t do the trick.
* Clean up your hard wood floors. Many hard surfaces will actually absorb urine in through even paint, wood, un sealed concrete and tile. Use a chemical deodorizer and cleaner first, If the odor problem is still serious, seal, varnish or repaint the surface afterward to help lock in any odors.
* Paint. Pay close attention to your walls. Animals like to spray them or rub up against them. The oils in their coats can discolor them over time and leave lasting odors. If the problem is subtle, trying wiping it clean. If that don’t help, then it’s time to paint!
* Clean the air.Cleaning the home’s furnace or replacing the air conditioning filters is a great start. If you need a more drastic approach, get the air ducks clean. This will remove animal dander, skin cells, mold, dust etc in the air. If you have cats- this is highly recommended.
* Scrub, Scrub, Scrub. Your home needs to sparkle. As a real estate agent, I have noticed peoples idea of clean varies and drastically. Scrub means every nook and cranny in your home needs to be clean. Every drawer, closet, book case- you name it clean and organize it! Buyers will be looking extra closely when they know you have a pet.
* No not use scented candles or sprays to mask the smell! Despite what you may have heard- do not use these things. Odor is a huge reason why buyers do not buy homes. You do not want the home to smell at all. No scent is better then a scent that can offend people. Just because you may like your cinnamon candle that does not mean that buyers do. Buyers feel that the scent may be hiding something. Try using a deodorizer. It plugs into an outlet and removes any smell. There are larger ones if needed.
* If at all possible, take the pets with you while you the leave home for showings. There’s nothing more off-putting for a potential buyer than opening the door to an aggressive or hyperactive pet. If the pet must be at home, put it away, and make sure the real-estate agent knows exactly where it is. Remember: Few buyers think your dog or cat is as charming as you do.
* Remove evidence of your pet. This means remove the food bowls, beds, toys etc. Put it in a cupboard- out of site. Buyers don’t want to see it.
By following these steps to removing evidence of your pets when selling your home, you are giving yourself a better chance to successfully sell your home and possibly for more money in your pocket.
For more tips on selling your home, please call me at 480-229-5861 or email me at Laurel@LaurelNielson.com
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