There is nothing greater in life than having a four-legged friend to share it with. But when it comes time for a change and you want to sell your home, doing so when pets have lived there can be a nightmare. While you may think that pets are like humans – with their personalities and needs – they don’t quite behave the same way regarding real estate. So, if you’re planning to move, there are a few things you can do to make selling a home with pets easier.
Let’s learn more.
Find a Sitter
Selling a home with pets can be difficult, but with some planning, you can set yourself up for success. Even though pets are a huge part of a family, they can be quite a hassle during the sales process. While there will be many people who don’t mind being in the company of pets, there will be others who are uncomfortable, especially during the house viewing. To ensure that everyone is happy, it may be in your best interest to find a sitter for your beloved animal who can take care of them while you show prospective buyers around your house. This can help to maximise your sale and get what you deserve from the move.
Eliminate Smells and Stains
Pets are so important to families; they are a big part of the story of many homes. When selling a home with pets, it’s important to understand that you need to show potential buyers that pets are part of the family and maintain a regular routine. This means cleaning up after your pet, not letting them roam the house freely, and eliminating smells and stains that they leave behind. Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home, and it may be hard to do so when all they can see is the mess left behind by your pet. So, a quick tidy before the viewing will definitely put you in good stead.
Fix the Damage
If you have ever bought a home before and found that the previous owners left a lot of damage, this could make you feel uncomfortable, especially if it is obvious. To avoid making others feel this way, when you sell your home, you should take the time to tour the house and make a note of anything that may have been damaged by your pets and otherwise and ensure it gets fixed before they move in. If they ask about it, put their mind at ease by telling them that you are getting it fixed as soon as possible.
Freshen Up Your Yard
If your home is currently on the market, chances are you, or someone you know, has a pet. While pets are beloved family members, they can sometimes negatively impact a home’s attractiveness. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prepare your home for showing without getting rid of your furry family members. And one of the most effective things you can do is to pick up any pet waste that they have left behind in the yard. Although pet waste bags can be expensive, they can be well worth the price in the time it takes to show a home and to present it in the best light possible.
Enforce Scheduled Showings
You most likely want your house to sell fast if you have pets, as this can put a lot of strain on them and may make them feel uncomfortable if the process goes on for longer than it needs to. However, showing your home to strangers can be nerve-wracking, especially if you have more than one pet. While the call to “have your pets out of the way” may seem like a reasonable request, it isn’t always an option for some households. Though you want to make sure your house is as clean as possible, you also want to keep your pets calm so they’re not frightened by constant strangers walking through your house. So, try and schedule showings for times that allow your pets to be as calm as possible; which will benefit everyone in the long run.
Remove Signs of Your Pet
When selling a home, pet owners should remove their pets’ signs. Whether it’s your dog’s blissful expression or your cat’s ferocious stare, make sure to remove any pictures or signs related to your furry friends. While it may feel like you’re losing a part of your family, removing these objects is just part of preparing your home to sell. It will make your house more appealing to potential buyers and put your home ahead of the competition.
You brought your pet home with you for a reason, and you must keep them out of the way and out of sight while your home is being shown. Pets can be distracting to potential buyers, and the last thing you want is for them to be underfoot as they try to envision themselves living in your home. That’s why you must show your home with your and your family’s pets out of the way.
You will be glad that you did when your home sells.