How to Sell Your Home When You Have Pets

If you are a pet owner looking to sell your home, you know how difficult it can be to keep your house presentable and clean for showings. Pets can make it challenging to maintain a tidy home, especially if they shed or are not well-trained. However, with some preparation and effort, it is possible to sell your home even if you have pets. In this article, we will provide you with tips and tricks to make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase your chances of selling your home quickly.

Tips for Preparing Your Home

Before you start the selling process, it is essential to prepare your home for potential buyers. This involves decluttering, deep cleaning, and making repairs where necessary. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home:

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Declutter

Decluttering your home is one of the most important things you can do before listing it on the market. A cluttered home can make it challenging for potential buyers to see themselves living there. Here are some tips for decluttering your home:

• Remove any unnecessary items from your home, such as excess furniture, knick-knacks, and personal items.
• Store away pet toys and beds during showings to make the space look larger and more neutral.
• Consider renting a storage unit to keep some of your belongings while your home is on the market.

Deep Clean

A clean home is essential when trying to sell your property. Here are some tips to ensure your home is sparkling clean:

• Vacuum and mop your floors to remove any pet hair or dirt.
• Clean your windows to let in as much natural light as possible.
• Dust all surfaces, including baseboards and ceiling fans.
• Remove any pet odors by using a pet-specific odor eliminator or baking soda.
• Wash all linens, including pet bedding, to remove any pet smells or stains.

Make Repairs

Making repairs to your home before listing it on the market can help it sell more quickly. Here are some tips for making necessary repairs:

• Fix any leaky faucets or toilets.
• Replace any burned-out light bulbs.
• Repair any holes in the walls or ceilings.
• Repair any damage to flooring or carpeting.

Staging Your Home with Pets

Once you have prepared your home, it is time to stage it for showings. Staging involves arranging furniture and decor to showcase your home’s best features and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Here are some tips for staging your home with pets:

Remove Pets During Showings

While your pets may be the center of your world, potential buyers may not share the same affection for them. Some buyers may even be allergic to pets or have a fear of them. To make your home more appealing to all potential buyers, consider removing your pets during showings.

Hide Pet Accessories

Pet accessories such as bowls, toys, and beds should be hidden during showings to create a clean, neutral space. Here are some tips for hiding pet accessories:

• Store pet toys and beds in a closet or garage.
• Remove pet bowls and place them in a closed cabinet.
• Clean up any pet hair or debris before showings.

Repair Any Pet Damage

If your pets have caused any damage to your home, such as scratches on the walls or carpet stains, it is essential to repair it before showing your home. Here are some tips for repairing pet damage:

• Repair any scratches on the walls by filling them with spackling paste and painting over them.
• Use a carpet cleaner to remove any pet stains or odors from your carpets.
• Replace any damaged flooring or carpeting.

Use Neutral Decor

Using neutral decor can help potential buyers see themselves living in your home.

When staging your home with pets, it’s essential to use neutral decor to create a welcoming space for potential buyers. Here are some tips for using neutral decor:

• Use neutral-colored curtains, throw pillows, and rugs.
• Paint your walls with neutral colors such as beige or light gray.
• Avoid using pet-themed decor such as paw prints or dog sculptures.

Highlight Pet-Friendly Features

While some buyers may be turned off by pets in the home, others may see them as a selling point. If your home has pet-friendly features, such as a fenced-in yard or a dog run, be sure to highlight them during showings.

Marketing Your Home

Marketing your home effectively is crucial to selling it quickly, especially if you have pets. Here are some tips for marketing your home:

Use Pet-Friendly Real Estate Agents

If you have pets, it’s essential to find a real estate agent who is comfortable working with pet owners. Look for agents who have experience selling homes with pets and who understand the challenges of keeping a home clean and presentable with pets in the house.

Take Professional Photos

Professional photos can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells. Be sure to take photos of your home when it is clean and decluttered, and remove any visible pet items. You can also consider taking photos of your pet in your yard or on a walk to show potential buyers the pet-friendly aspects of your home.

Mention Pet-Friendly Features in Your Listing

In your home’s listing, be sure to mention any pet-friendly features such as a fenced-in yard, a dog run, or nearby parks. This can attract pet owners who are looking for a home that meets their pets’ needs.

Be Flexible with Showings

Selling a home with pets can be challenging because it may be challenging to coordinate showings around your pet’s schedule. However, it’s essential to be flexible with showings to accommodate potential buyers. Consider taking your pets to a friend’s house or hiring a pet sitter during showings.

Showing Your Home

When it’s time to show your home, there are a few things you can do to make the process go smoothly. Here are some tips for showing your home with pets:

Remove Pets During Showings

We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth reiterating. Removing your pets during showings can make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Remove Pet Odors

Pet odors can be a turnoff for potential buyers, so it’s essential to remove any pet smells from your home. You can use a pet-specific odor eliminator or baking soda to absorb odors. Be sure to clean any litter boxes or pet cages before showings.

Clean Up After Your Pets

Before showings, be sure to clean up after your pets. This includes picking up any pet waste in the yard and cleaning any litter boxes or pet cages.

Prepare Your Pets for Showings

If you can’t remove your pets during showings, it’s essential to prepare them for the process. Here are some tips for preparing your pets:

• Give your pets a bath before showings to keep them smelling fresh.
• Keep your pets in a separate room during showings.
• Consider using a baby gate to keep your pets in a specific area of the house.

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Conclusion

Selling your home when you have pets can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By preparing your home, staging it for showings, and marketing it effectively, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly. Remember to remove pets during showings, hide pet accessories, and repair any pet damage. Highlight pet-friendly features in your listing and be flexible with showings. With these tips, you can sell your home and find a new home that is just as pet-friendly as your current one.

FAQs

Do I need to disclose that I have pets when selling my home?

Yes, you should disclose that you have pets when selling your home. This information can be helpful to potential buyers who may have allergies or other concerns.

How do I keep my home clean with pets during the selling process?

It’s essential to keep your home clean and tidy during the selling process, especially if you have pets. Be sure to vacuum and mop floors regularly, clean windows, and dust all surfaces. Use a pet-specific odor eliminator or baking soda to remove any pet smells.

Can I show my home with pets in it?

It’s not ideal to show your home with pets in it, but if you can’t remove them during showings, be sure to prepare them for the process. Give them a bath, keep them in a separate room, and consider using a baby gate to keep them in a specific area of the house.

Should I stage my home with pet-themed decor?

No, it’s not a good idea to stage your home with pet-themed decor. Use neutral decor to create a welcoming space for potential buyers.

How do I find a pet-friendly real estate agent?

Look for real estate agents who have experience selling homes with pets and who understand the challenges of keeping a home clean and presentable with pets in the house. You can ask for referrals from friends or family members who have pets or search online for agents who specialize in pet-friendly homes.