As a homeowner, chances are you have gone blind to the smells and scratches your pets have made. But, the prospective buyers haven't.
Some people don't like animals. Some buyers may be nervous around animals or have superstitious fears. Others may like their pets but could distrust yours.
Homes with visible signs of pets sell for less money! If you want to sell your property fast, it should be as attractive as it can be to the buyer. Here are some helpful tips on how to sell your property when you have pets.
Temporarily Move Your Pet
One of the best things you can do is temporarily move your pet to a friend's or family member's house. Since this can be hard for your pet, it's suggested to consult with your veterinarian first.
If this isn't an option you should keep your pet in a separate room and inform the real estate agent. If you need to put your pet in a carrier, include a note telling people "do not disturb." Taking these steps will also save you from a potential lawsuit in the case of an animal attack.
Sell Your Property Without the Odor
The worst first impression that your home can give the potential buyer is the smell of pet urine. This makes it essential to do everything you can to make your home smells nice.
Sometimes enzyme cleaners can help to remove odors, but odors can often reappear. The best thing you can do is to hire professionals to clean your home with a focus on removing pesky odors.
Make sure your pet bathrooms are cleaned and their litter boxes are out of sight.
Remove All Remaining Signs
There are many signs that should be removed to sell your property. Remember, the fewer signs you have the more lucrative your home will be to the buyer. If buyers spot pet stains on the floor, this will leave them with a bad impression. It's a wise decision to hire professionals that can remove the stains. If the stains are unremovable, replace the floor covering.
If there are signs of pet damage you should either repair or replace what's damaged. The value you can get from a nicely presented home is well worth the investment.
It's critical to clean up all your pet's hair before your home is shown. Hair can trigger allergic reactions in buyers that could send them packing. It's important that you vacuum, dust, and take all necessary steps to decrease shedding.
Check your yard for any holes where your pet likes to dig. If there are any "signs" of your pet left behind, be sure to double bag the waste before disposing of it. For any holes, it's suggested to add new sod or to fill them in and add grass seed on top.
You should put away your pets' toys, food, bowls, pictures, and even seal up doggy doors.
If you have any further questions or want to sell your property, contact us today to see what we can do for you!