Showing Your Home When You Have Pets

We all love our furry, four-legged pals.  Our pets do bring so much to our lives and we are thankful for them.  Yet what to do with them when you are trying to sell your home?

Not to fear, a little bit of planning will make your life so much easier when showing your home when you have pets. Here are a few simple tips to make life a bit less stressful when you get that call to show. 

1.  Have a plastic bin designated for all pet toys.  When you get the call, toss the pet toys in the bin and

     store the bin in a closet. 

2.  Put the pet food dishes in a cabinet out of sight.

3.  Pet beds should also be put away.  Cat towers should be stowed as well.

4.  Have a third party give you an honest opinion for the smell of your home.  It is easy to get used to your

     home smells so you might not notice if it has become a bit pet smelly!   If it does smell a bit, use a

     mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to freshen floors and other hard surfaces.  

5.  If pets will be staying in the home during a showing, make sure that they are secured in a crate or in an

     area that they cannot escape.  

6.  Make sure your listing agent provides the Showing Service the information regarding the pets that will

     be in the home during a showing.  

7.  if carpets have pet stains, either replace the carpets or have them professionally cleaned. 

8.  Repair any areas where pets haves scratched or damaged. 

9.  Repair any outside areas where pets have damaged fences, dug holes or damaged plants. 

10. Remove pet bombs (aka poop) from the yard.  You certainly don't want that tracked into your home. 

Taking the the steps above really will improve the showing experience for your potential buyers.  Messy pet bowls or loose pet toys can pose a tripping hazard for your guests.  It is best to just tuck them all away. Hopefully your home will sell quickly so you will only be inconvenienced for a short time. 

Best ts wishes for selling your home.