Selling Your Home With Pets

Selling your home with pets can be challenging ... not only because it can be stressful removing pets for every showing, but also because buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, and that means hiding any evidence that animals live there. One whiff of a dirty litter box or smelly carpets, or view of a mess in the yard, can easily ruin a showing and the best outcome.

While you love your furry family member, sadly, not every buyer will.

Here's what you can do to prepare your home to sell when pets are involved. 

Remove ALL evidence of pets

Put away litterboxes and toys, move crates, scratching posts, and dog beds out of sight, and stash food and water bowls under the sink.

Deodorize / deep clean and remove stains

Avoid simply masking odors, and instead spray any fabrics, rugs, and upholstery with a pet-specific deodorizer. Go a step further and replace your furnace filter and even consider getting an air purifier to remove any pesky odors.

Repair any damage

Scratched door frames, shredded upholstery on furniture, and damaged floors can give buyers a bad impression, and make a home look worn. Make any necessary repairs, and don't forget to get out any pet stains in the carpet!

Relocate pets during showings

The sight and sounds of pets are distracting at best and can stress out buyers who may not love your animals as much as you do. Yes, this also includes cats!