When selling a home, you want it to shine in its best light to attract buyers and make a lasting impression. However, this can be challenging when pets are part of the household. Pet-related distractions, odors, and messes may deter potential buyers from focusing on your home’s best features. Here’s a guide to showing your home with pets, organized by key topics and enriched with advice from our agents.
Plan Ahead for Showings
Pets can be protective of their space or a source of distraction for buyers. To ensure smooth showings:
- Relocate Pets Temporarily: Take your pets out for a walk, visit a coffee shop, or arrange for them to stay with a friend or family member during showings. As REALTOR® Jeanette Hussey notes, “Most homeowners will have their dogs in a kennel during showings, and cats usually hide. However, it’s best to remove pets entirely to avoid allergies or surprises.”
- Notify Agents About Pets: If pets will remain in the home, always inform your agent so they can alert the buyer’s agent in advance. This is especially critical if you have exotic pets.
Maintain a Clean and Odor-Free Environment
A clean and fresh-smelling home is vital to making a good impression:
- Address Pet Odors: REALTOR® Terri Reynolds advises, “I stress to sellers to try and eliminate any odors, whether they’re from pets or other sources.”
- Deep Clean Floors and Furniture: Regularly vacuum carpets, steam clean hard floors, and wipe down furniture to remove pet hair and dander.
- Clean Windows and Doors: Jeanette also reminds sellers to “double-check for smears or smudges at pet level.” These small details matter to buyers.
Remove Pet-Related Items
Even subtle reminders of pets can distract buyers or lead them to assume extra maintenance:
- Store Pet Supplies: Pick up food and water bowls, toys, and pet beds before showings.
- Tidy Up Litter Boxes and Crates: REALTOR® Lori Smith suggests ensuring litter boxes are cleaned and tucked away, and that crates are placed in low-traffic areas.
- Minimize Visual Distractions: Buyers should see your home, not your pets’ belongings.
Safety First
While pets may seem harmless, they can act unpredictably around strangers:
- Crate Pets Left Behind: If relocation isn’t possible, keep pets secured in a crate in a discreet location. As REALTOR® Matt Lawing explains, “Even caged pets can be unsettling for some buyers, so notification is key.”
- Avoid Surprises: Jeanette recalls, “A long time ago, I showed a house with a ferret in a cage on top of the washer. No one told me, and I screamed. You don’t want screaming during a showing!”
Final Touches
Before buyers arrive:
- Open windows for fresh air if needed.
- Conduct a final sweep to ensure no fur, pet messes, or odors remain.
- Consider professional cleaning services for a deep refresh.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your home is inviting to all buyers while minimizing stress for your pets. For more advice on selling your home, reach out to the experts at West & Woodall.