Selling Your Home While Owning Pets

The above picture is of my fur baby, Bella. I adore her. She sleeps in our bed, lays on our furniture, and has the run of the house. I trust her completely with our kids and our belongings. She is easy in every way. Well, almost.

Since Bella joined our family, we have had to move several times due to job relocation for my husband. During each period our home was on the market, Bella and our fat cat, Buddy, posed some obstacles that we had to overcome in order to showcase our house in the best possible light. It is hard for us pet lovers to imagine this, but not everyone likes, or tolerates, a furry friend. Below are some tips/advice that I can offer if you find yourself in the same situation.

·         Inform your agent. This is simple enough but is often overlooked. When you list your home with your agent, make sure they are aware of how many and what kind of animals you have. This information is needed to make note of the pets in the MLS system. When a buyer agent is aware of a pet in the home, they can prepare their buyer before entering. (And will remind them to use caution to not let your beloved pet outside when they open the door!)

·         Remove your pets for a showing. I know, this is easier said than done. But, if it is at all possible, try and make arrangements for your animals to be elsewhere . If you work from home, take your furry friends with you for a car ride. If your mom or generous friend lives down the street, see if they would take them in during showing periods. Consider doggy daycare as yet another option. This will allow potential buyers to look at your home with out the distraction of a jumping dog or overly friendly cat.

·         Can’t remove them? Contain them. If you absolutely can not remove your pets for a showing, it is imperative that you keep them contained to one section of the home. The laundry room, unfinished basement, or garage would work well. Make sure to post a sign (printed from the computer!) on the door as a warning to your potential buyer and their agent. Although they may be disappointed they can not access one of these rooms, it is better than them not looking at all because you have a barking dog guarding your front door!

·         Keep their things tidy. Keep a litter box out of sight and be sure to clean it every day. Organize all of your dogs toys and bones and put them away in one spot. Keep their food areas neat and clean.  Don’t let a foul odor or untidy pet spaces be the reason a buyer walks back out the door.

By following a few simple steps, selling your home with a pet will hopefully be a seamless process and they will be back the ruling to roost in no time!

Looking for an agent who understands your needs? (And those of your pets!) Then contact me, Shannon Milligan, today at Home Sweet Henrico Real Estate!