Fluffy and Benji Live Here Too…

Did you know that in 2006, 73% of all US households owned a dog or cat? We sure do love our four legged companions.

But how do you minimize the impact of your beloved fluffball when you’re trying to sell your home?

First, you want to make sure that you either remove your pets from the home for all showings, or have them crated with a “Do Not Disturb” sign. You never know how your pet will react with strangers in the home, and I’ve seen more than one agent running after an indoor cat that escaped during a showing. Always try to minimize your pet’s presence so the buyer can focus on the home and not your cute Labrador.

Next, get rid of the smelly stuff. This means constantly cleaning litter boxes, removing stains from carpets, and using natural cleansers to remove odors. Nothing is worse than walking into a potpurri-filled home that’s trying to mask pet odor. It immediately raises a concern with the buyer and they wonder what else you’re trying to cover up.

Finally, get rid of the toys. No one wants to look at slimy tennis balls, cat towers, and half-chewed fake mice. Gather up the sources of amusement and put them in a covered basket. You’ll still have easy access to them, but buyers won’t have to look at your pet’s dirty laundry, so to speak.

If you follow these simple steps, you’ll minimize the impact your pets may have on your home sale and keep them in a secure state of mind during this time of transition. Woof!