Pets and Showings. How a Seller prepares for the market when pets live in their homes can make a huge difference in a Buyer’s perception of your home’s value. Frankly, they prefer not to see or smell any sign of your precious animals; even those buyers who are animal lovers. Consider that Buyers will be distracted by their presence, and you want them to focus on your home in the short time the Buyers and their Agent will be there.
Before listing… Be critical about damage to walls, baseboards, stair rails, hardwood flooring and furniture, including upholstery. Repair chewed wood, paint. Cover or remove damaged furniture. Refinish hardwoods; or if too costly, cover with rugs and disclose the damage and offer a refinish/flooring concession. Change out the air filters. Shampoo carpets and upholstery. Check curtains for damage/soil. Vacuum everything!
During listing… Plan to remove pets from the property for each showing. Even placing in a gated rear yard can intimidate and prevent buyers from fully walking your property to gather all of the information they need to decide to make an offer. Yes, this constant moving can be traumatic to many animals, but it is often equally traumatic to the animal to be confronted or hear strangers in their territory, and lead to undesirable behavior to manage between showings. Many pet owners put restrictions on their showings, such as a one or two hour required notice. Boarding the first weekend on the market can ease the stress of listing for the Seller. Look at it as a mini vaca for your loved ones.
For owners of birds and reptiles, removal is usually not possible. Make sure bird areas are clear of any debris, and cage covered. Double check that reptile enclosures are secure, and it is also best to cover them in case the Buyers are sensitive to these special pets. If possible, move to an inconspicuous part of the house. Let the Buyer’s Agent know of their presence in the showing service comments.
And in all cases… air fresheners are your friend.
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