Dogs Can Distract & Discourage During Showings

By
Real Estate Agent with Ambrose Team, Inc. (@ Hometown Partners LLC) BR00048929

Cupid visiting Ambrose Team office

There can not possibly be another local Realtor that LOVES dogs as much as I do. Okay, I know a few other Realtors that love dogs. So let's just say, I am one of the most enthusiastic dog lovers in our industry locally! No one that knows me would argue that. Nor would they argue how serious I am when it comes to marketing listings and helping home owners get their home SOLD for top dollar! So believe me when I say, your dog should not be home when your house is shown. You should not be there, and neither should your pets in an ideal scenario.

Some people are not dog lovers. So let's face it, they probably don't want to see a dog in a house that they might like to buy. Others love dogs and are so distracted they can't think about your house, because they are so busy thinking about your dog. And even if they can possibly manage to not think about your dog and focus on your house, sometimes the dog won't let them. Even good dogs, distract good people, that could be good buyers for your home.

Here's a frank video I recorded some time ago that helps illustrate the point.

So what should you do with your dog during showings? That's something we can discuss in person as everyone has unique situations. And many homes are shown with pets inside and can sell just fine. Generally, if you want a faster sale & the best reward that the market will bring, you may want to go the extra mile and get a game plan in place for pets. Since you will be away for showings perhaps your beloved pooch can go for ride with you during the showing. Some pets stay with a neighbor or family during showings, and others get dropped off at a doggy daycare service. 

It's not just dogs. Cats and every other pet from hamsters to lizards cause big distractions. If you have a snake, spider, or something else that might cause someone to scream or wrinkle their nose, just remember that's not the reaction you're going for when it comes to putting money in your pocket!  Do what you can to have them out of the house while your home is on the market, or at least consider removing them during those precious buyer appointments.

Most sellers don't go to this extra trouble and it can hurt their chances of reeling in an offer, or mean a lower price. If your home is priced & staged to sell, you may want to consider what you can do to make sure your Buyer prospects are not distracted or "put off" by pets left behind during showings or Open Houses.  

Think about special pet arrangements as being part of setting the stage for great showings. It's not that you are trying to hide the fact that you have a pet, you are just accomodating the Buyer with additional peace and comfort during their scheduled showing so they can imagine themselves making a home there. 

Talk to Ambrose Team about what solutions we may have to help you in certain situations. We've helped hundreds of people sell their homes successfully. We've experienced about every situation there is with people and pets while getting Wichita homes SOLD. We'd love to meet you and your furry family members! We are here to help!

 

 

Comments (7)

Odaly Victorio
Team Victorious at Keller Williams Realty - Jupiter, FL
Marketing Expert

You are right.  Even if the buyers are animal lovers, it is a distraction.  When the goal is to sell the home, nothing should distract from it.

Jan 06, 2015 11:29 AM
Tanya Van Blake-Coleman
Van Blake-Coleman Realty, St. Thomas/www.talk-to-Tanya.com - St Thomas, VI
Improving the Quality of Your Life

Great tip Katherine! Pets and no pets are huge factors here in the Virgin Islands with often smaller living areas., and you are right it could go either way depending on the potential buyer being a pet lover or not pet friendly. Good luck!

Jan 06, 2015 12:13 PM
Elise Harron
Dirt Road Real Estate - Kingman, AZ
Rural Vacant Land and Development Specialist

Very important topic - I actually call one of my clients a few minutes before showing her home - and all I have to say  is "I'm on my way - The dog's want to go for a ride" and she loads them up and takes a drive for a few minutes while I show her home.  Her house is spotless but her adorable furbabies are a HUGE distraction to her near perfect home!  We negotiated this routine when we listed her home!  GREAT reminder for all of us!  Cheers,

Jan 06, 2015 12:57 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Great post Katherine Ambrose , I look forward to seeing more of you here in the future!

Jan 06, 2015 02:51 PM
Frank Harper
Idaho Family Real Estate - Boise, ID
Broker/Owner, Realtor, GRI, SFR.

Welcome to ActiveRain! Congrats on your first blog post! Keep up the good work! Best of luck in 2015!

Jan 07, 2015 12:02 AM
Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

This is a very real thing that sellers need to learn to do! Great post and welcome to ActiveRain!

Jan 07, 2015 06:46 AM
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
Carolina Life RealEstate & Relocation 919-602-8489

Katherine, Great Post!! Many folks don't realize how their pets act when they're not home and especially when strangers are in the home. Welcome to Active Rain! I hope you find a wealth of information and wonderful people here!

Feb 22, 2015 09:34 PM