Selling your home while managing pets can be challenging, but taking the right steps can help minimize disruptions and ensure your property appeals to potential buyers. Here’s a guide to handling pets during the selling process:
1. Remove Pets During Showings
- Why: Some buyers may be allergic to or uncomfortable around animals. Pets can also distract buyers from focusing on your home.
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How:
- Take your pets to a friend or family member’s home during showings.
- Consider using pet daycare or boarding services for temporary stays.
2. Clean Thoroughly
- Pet Hair: Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and drapes frequently to remove hair and dander.
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Odors:
- Deep clean areas where pets spend time.
- Use enzyme-based cleaners to remove urine or other odors from floors and fabrics.
- Open windows to air out the home regularly.
- Avoid using overly strong air fresheners, as they can signal that you're covering up smells.
- Stains: Address visible stains on carpets, walls, or furniture.
3. Repair Pet-Related Damage
- Scratched Surfaces: Refinish or repair scratched hardwood floors, doors, or furniture.
- Chewed Areas: Replace or fix chewed corners, trim, or furniture.
- Lawn: Repair areas of the yard damaged by digging or urine spots.
4. Remove Pet Items
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During Showings:
- Hide pet bowls, toys, bedding, and litter boxes.
- Store leashes, carriers, and other pet accessories out of sight.
- Staging: Keep the space neutral so buyers can envision the home as their own.
5. Create a Pet-Free Zone
- Why: Even if pets are not present, their evidence (like toys or litter boxes) can be off-putting.
- How: Dedicate a specific area for pet items and keep it tidy.
6. Use a Pet Plan for Showings
- Schedule in Advance: Coordinate with your real estate agent to plan showings around your availability to remove pets.
- Short Notice: Have a plan in place for last-minute showings, like a nearby park or friend’s house where you can take your pet temporarily.
7. Be Transparent
- Disclose: If your home has been occupied by pets, disclose it to buyers if required by local laws.
- Allergy Concerns: Offer reassurance about the cleaning measures you’ve taken to remove allergens.
8. Consider Professional Cleaning
- Deep Clean: Hire professionals to clean carpets, upholstery, and other pet-heavy areas.
- Duct Cleaning: Clean air ducts to remove lingering pet dander and odors.
9. Stage with Care
- Pet-Free Vibe: Avoid featuring pet items in listing photos or during open houses.
- Neutral Décor: Make the home appealing to the widest range of buyers, including those who don’t own pets.
10. Prepare Outdoor Spaces
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Yard Cleanup:
- Remove pet waste regularly.
- Repair any lawn damage caused by pets.
- Secure Fencing: Ensure outdoor spaces look well-maintained and safe.
11. Secure Pets for Home Inspections
- Safety First: Keep pets confined or away from the property during inspections and appraisals.
- Prevent Escapes: Make sure pets are secure to avoid accidental escapes when buyers or inspectors are entering and exiting.
12. Use Pet-Friendly Professionals
- Work with real estate agents and service providers experienced with pets to better navigate any challenges.
By taking these steps, you can create a welcoming environment for buyers while keeping your pets safe and comfortable during the selling process.
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Additional Resources
Check out these articles for more information:
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Realtor.com: 6 Essential Steps for Selling a Home With Pets
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Lincolnberg Homes: 7 Helpful Tips To Selling Your Home When You Have Pets
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HomeLight: Sell a House with Pets: How to Prep, Deodorize, and Depersonalize
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U.S. News Real Estate: What Every Pet Owner Must Know About Selling a Home
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Maximum Real Estate Exposure: Selling a House With Pets at Home: 9 Great Tips
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Upgraded Home: What To Do With Pets When Selling Your Home
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Mike Koran: Selling a Home with Pets: Expert Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Value
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