Mortgage News - Selling A Home With Pets: Expert Tips

Selling A Home With Pets: Expert Tips

Mortgage News June 29, 2023

When it comes to selling your home, your beloved pets, whom you consider part of the family, can present certain challenges. It’s common to have pets when selling a house, with approximately 60% of sellers owning pets, including 49% who have dogs and 33% who have cats. However, potential buyers prefer to envision their own pets in the space or may not want any pets at all. Additionally, pets can generate unpleasant odors and messes that could discourage interested buyers.

Maintaining a high level of cleanliness is crucial when selling your home, especially if you have pets. To tackle pet odors, consider professional cleaning or replacing rugs, carpets, and furniture. Daily vacuuming can help remove odors, fur, and dander. If lingering odors persist, avoid masking them and instead use pet enzyme cleaners or consider installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Additionally, be mindful of potential buyers with pet allergies and thoroughly clean every corner of your home.

Don’t overlook pet-related damage that you may have grown accustomed to. Repair any scratched furniture, torn flooring, chewed baseboards or window sills, and ripped curtains. Outside the house, clean up pet waste, conceal signs of digging in the lawn, and repair damaged fences and window screens.

When preparing your home for sale, it’s essential to de-pet the space. Remove cages, kennels, and play items, packing them away during showings. Put away toys, food bowls, and water bowls to minimize evidence of pets residing in the house. Remember that not all potential buyers share the same enthusiasm for pets as you do.

Whenever possible, consider relocating your pets during showings and open houses. You could ask a neighbor to watch them or even opt for professional boarding. Having pets trying to escape their kennels during property viewings can be distracting and detract from the buyers’ experience.

If your pets do have to stay at home, come up with a solution with your real estate agent. Don’t have them be surprised by your pets.

For example, maybe you can put them in the basement and leave a few notes if necessary.

Tell people in your note they shouldn’t try to pet your dog or cat, even if they’re friendly, because you never know how your animals will react to unfamiliar people, especially if you’re not around.

Finally, talk to your real estate agent about giving you plenty of notice before a showing so you can arrange care for your animals whenever possible.

Need a loan officer list, real estate agent list, insurance agent list, investment advisor list or contractor list in your area? Contact Jennifer Swanson at 260-223-9203 or Jennifer@SpecialtyContactDatabases.com

Mortgage News Blog

Selling A Home With Pets: Expert Tips

Contact Us/Order Samples