Are you getting ready to put your home on the market? Do you have a loveable pooch or friendly feline? These questions may seem unrelated, but they’re not. The truth is, having a cat or dog can complicate the home-selling process. Many buyers are less likely to purchase a property if they know it has recently housed pets. The good news? If you have animals, we have advice for what to do with pets when showing a house. In this post, we’ll show you how to make your house make a good first impression..
An accurate, unbiased assessment is the foundation of your effective home-selling strategy. Start by booking your complimentary home evaluation with our experts.
What to Do With Pets During a House Showing
It may sound strange—especially if you’re a pet lover. But remember that not everyone is a fan of animals. Even true-blue animal lovers might still feel uncomfortable with your pets,
From the messes they sometimes leave to the distractions they can pose during showings, four-legged family members don’t always make the best impression on home buyers. That’s why one of your first questions is likely to be what to do with cats or dogs during a house showing.
While many sellers believe it’s enough to tidy up and close their pet off in a room, that simply isn’t true. Based on our experience with buyers, we can tell you that it pays to be thorough. That means keeping your dog or cat completely out of sight—and out of mind. This not only helps prospective buyers stay focused on the merits of the home instead of the cuteness of your pets, it also ensures that there are no chances of your furry friend being accidentally let outside during a showing!
Do you want to make the most of your sale, pets and all? The posts below can help:
- A Back to Basics Guide to Maximizing Your Sale
- What Everyone Needs to Know About Selling Their First Home
- How to Stand Out in a Changing Real Estate Market
How to Get Rid of Pet Odour in a House
Pet messes are an instant turnoff for home buyers, so removing all traces of them is crucial. When it comes to stains, we advise using a product formulated especially for animals. For tougher stains or odours, it can be necessary rent a carpet cleaner, or hiring a service. This small investment can make a world of difference for prospective buyers touring (and smelling) your home.
Odours can be even worse than the sight of messes, and much harder to eliminate. Fortunately, there are products that tend to be tough on both spots and odours, so you can take care of two issues at the same time. Solutions from Arm & Hammer, Resolve or Nature’s Miracle can be a lifesaver when it comes to getting rid of dog or cat smells.
To you, nothing is more adorable than a furry little face. To a buyer, shedding is another potential dealbreaker. Even if you clean continuously, you’re bound to find accumulated hair underneath furniture—and stuck to your upholstery. To combat this, In addition to vacuuming frequently, use a lint roller or damp cloth to remove animal hair from your couches and living room chairs.
Repairing Pet Damage
If a buyer walks in and sees damage from your pets, they may start to imagine other things that might be wrong with the house. That’s a road we do not want them to go down!
Animals (especially those of the canine variety) can cause everything from scratched flooring to a torn-up lawn. The best way to prevent potential buyers from worrying about damage is to find and eliminate all signs of it.
For minor scratches on wood, try a blended pencil (available at most home improvement stores) or a new coat of finish. Your landscaping can most likely be restored cheaply—just ask an expert at your local gardening centre for advice. While you’re out in the yard, don’t forget to look carefully for hidden waste!
Interested in learning more about home preparations and the selling process before your listing goes live? Check out the posts below:
- The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
- What Type of Home Staging Is Best for You?
- Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results
Relocation Options for Your Pet
Of course, when selling a house with pets, it’s not just the obvious signs of a pet that could turn buyers off. For many, the very presence of an animal (even a well-behaved one) can pose a distraction when they’re viewing your property. For these reasons, finding a place for your pet to stay during showing periods is highly recommended.
If you have any family members or friends who adore your furry loved one, ask them whether they’d mind taking on the role of caretaker for a little while. If this isn’t an option, look into the boarding services, pet day care and pet hotels in your area. Some options are better than others, so it pays to do a bit of online research.
While these steps for selling a home with petscan take a bit of extra work, it’s worth it. Doing it right can help you find a qualified buyer and allow everyone (pets included) to enjoy a seamless transition.
Do you want personalized support throughout the selling process? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can help you get the results you need. Get in touch with any questions you have or call 905-332-9223 to reach our office.
