5 Tips Selling A Home With Pets

Tips For Selling A Home With Pets

If your home is currently on the market, you know that you are at the mercy of potential buyers. You have to be ready to leave the house for a showing, and last minute requests crop up often. This can be especially difficult when selling a home with pets scampering about.

This article will focus on selling your home when you have dogs and we will touch on some kitty things too.

Planning ahead is important when selling a home with pets.

Let’s be honest, being ready for showings is stressful. Often there isn’t much time for tidying up. It is especially tough if you have a furry family member to deal with since leaving him home during the showing just isn’t a good idea.

Why can’t I leave my dog at home during showings? He’s really sweet and friendly.

Some people are fearful of dogs, and if your pooch isn’t used to strangers in his territory, he or she might cut a showing short with his warning barks. If the people like dogs, they might focus on fido instead of the home. Many a home has seen a price reduction simply due to pets being around during showings.

To avoid problems, we have some tips that will help.

Have a dog sitter/walker on call at all times if you will be unavailable.
Remove dog/cat bowls before showings. If you have a litter box, create an inconspicuous place to put it outdoors during showings.
Cats are their own special problem since obedience is not a word found in the cat dictionary. If you can crate them or take them somewhere, great. If not, work with your Realtor to find the best solution possible.
Make it a point to give the house a quick cleanup each day so it is showing-ready at all times.
Be proactive – repair pet damage, control odor, and clean pet hair-clogged ducts before hosting any showings.

After The Home is Under Contract

Once a showing results in a buyer, breathe a quick sigh of relief and then move on to the next phase: packing and moving.

Remeber, most animals are pack oriented. Your home is theirs too. Spend a little extra time walking them, playing and helping them feel safe. Animals pick up on our emotions so they are likely feeling your stress and anxiety. A good hard romp can do wonders for both of you.

One other area to be mindful is open doors. Plan ahead on where to keep your pets when movers and family are going in and out a lot.

With these tips, you’ll be move-ready in no time. For more information about selling a home with pets:

Visit rover.com to find a place to board your dog in Santa Barbara
Visit getridofthings.com for tips on eliminating pet odors

After You and Your Pets Move To A New Home

After everyone arrives safe and sound in your new home, take some time to explore the house and yards with your pets. If you have dogs, explore the neighborhood and get some much-needed stress relief. Take him/her for a coffee date or a hike to discover (and sniff) the new surroundings.

Conclusions – Selling A Home With Pets

As a pet owner, selling your home requires a little extra planning and cleaning, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Just keep your eyes on the prize – selling your old home and buying the one.

Garrett McCaw & Joe Parker
The Santa Barbara Group
Berkshire Hathaway HSCA

Many thanks to Medina James at DogEtiquette for this article!