Selling Your Home With Pets
Top Tips to Prepare for Viewings
If you’re like nearly half of the population, you’ve got a furry (or scaly!) friend at home. Whether it’s a dog, cat, guinea pig, rabbit, or even something a little more exotic, your pet is likely a key member of your household. But when it comes to selling your home, it’s important to consider how your pet might impact potential buyers. While they may be a beloved part of your life, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for pets.
If you’re getting ready to sell, here are a few things to think about when preparing your home for viewings with pets in mind.
1. Pet-Free Viewings: The Key to a Smooth Showing 🐶🐱
When buyers come to see your home, the goal is to make them feel as comfortable as possible. For some, the presence of a dog or cat may be a bit of a distraction or even an issue if they’re not used to animals.
To ensure that everyone is comfortable and focused on the property, consider arranging for your pets to be elsewhere during viewings. Whether that means sending them to a neighbour’s house or a friend’s, having your pets out of sight can help avoid any unnecessary stress for both you and the potential buyers.
2. Eliminate Pet Odours 👃
We all love our pets, but one thing that comes with them is the inevitable pet odour. It’s something that we’re often used to, but for a buyer, it could be a turn-off. Before any viewings, make sure your home is fresh and free from pet smells. Open windows, vacuum thoroughly, and use air purifiers or sprays designed to neutralize pet odours.
If you’re concerned about lingering smells, consider hiring a professional cleaning service that specializes in homes with pets. It’s an investment that can make a huge difference in how your home is perceived.
3. Tidy Up the Pet Hair 🧹
Anyone with pets knows how easily their fur ends up on everything! During the sale process, you’ll need to stay on top of pet hair by vacuuming frequently. Focus on carpets, drapes, and furniture, as these are common places where pet hair likes to collect. If you’re particularly concerned, a deep clean before viewings can be well worth the expense.
Not only will it help keep your home looking spotless, but it’ll also make a good impression on prospective buyers.
4. Repair Any Pet Damage ⛏🪚🪛
Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can sometimes cause damage to your property, whether it’s scratched doors, damaged carpets, or scuff marks on the walls. Before showing your home, take the time to inspect and repair any damage that may have been caused by your pet.
A few small fixes can make a world of difference in how buyers perceive the space and avoid distractions from your pet's impact on the home.
5. Clear Away Pet Accessories 🎾
When showing your home, it’s important to create a neutral environment that allows buyers to imagine themselves in the space. This means clearing away pet accessories like food bowls, beds, toys, and litter boxes. You may love these personal touches, but buyers might not be able to see beyond them.
Keeping your home clutter-free will help potential buyers see the space as their own, without any distractions.
6. Be Mindful of Buyer Preferences 🤔
Not every buyer will feel the same way about pets. Some may love the idea of moving into a home where they can imagine their own dog or cat running around, while others might be allergic or even afraid of animals. That’s why it’s important to communicate with your estate agent to discuss your strategy for showings.
They can help you gauge how pet-friendly the buyers are and advise on whether you should keep your pets out of sight.
7. Work With Your Agent 👀
Your estate agent is there to help you sell your property, and that includes managing the potential challenges that come with pets. From advising on the best way to present your home to arranging viewings when your pets are out of the house, your agent can help ensure that selling your home goes smoothly despite any furry friends you may have.
Selling a home with pets doesn’t have to be stressful! By planning ahead and following these tips, you can make sure your home is appealing to a wide range of buyers. So, take the time to clean, clear away pet-related items, and work with your agent to make sure your pets won’t interfere with the sale process.
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Get in touch with us today to discuss the best way to prepare your home for viewings!
