Home Buying: Selling a Home with Pets

When trying to sell a home, it is important for home sellers to make their home as attractive as possible. This might include re-painting the walls, updating cabinets, and fixing minor repairs. For the most part, minor cosmetic problems will not put off a potential buyer. Besides, most home buyers will make their own changes or improvements to the property. On the other hand, if the current homeowner has a pet, this may interfere with the sale of the home. Because pets commonly leave behind a distinguished marking – odor – potential buyers may skip on the property. Fortunately, there are steps a homeowner can take to ensure that their beloved family pets will not holdup the sale. Consider the following tips for selling a home with pets.

Do's to Selling a Property with Pets

• Clean Carpets – Some people are severely allergic to pet dander. If so, these persons will begin to show signs of a reaction within minutes of being inside your home. Before conducting an open house, have all carpets in the home cleaned to remove pet dander. If pets are allowed to sit on the furniture, consider cleaning sofas and chairs as well. Once the carpet and furniture is clean and free of pet dander, confine the animal to the garage, mud room, or sizeable cage. If possible, ask a friend or relative to pet sit for a couple of days.

• Keep Litter Boxes Clean – Cat owners know the importance of keeping kitty litter boxes cleaned daily. This is especially important when selling your home. Potential buyers will be turned off by the smell of cat urine. Clean the litter box often or purchase a litter box cover. Consider buying a brand of kitty litter proven to reduce odor. If possible, keep an air freshener near the litter box.

• Vacuum Floor Daily – If the animal must remain in the home in-between open houses, periodically vacuum the carpets to remove pet hair. Moreover, make a habit of brushing the animal daily to limit shedding.