The Pet Owner’s Guide to Selling Your Home: 5 Must-Do Steps for a Purr-fect Sale!
We all know our furry (or scaly) friends are family, but when it comes time to sell your home, potential buyers might not be as smitten with your pet’s antics as you are. To help you showcase your home in the best light (and keep those buyers focused on the house, not the occasional bark or purr), here are five essential tips to prepare your property when you’ve got pets in the mix.
1. Give Your Pets a Holiday!
It might be tough to imagine your home without your four-legged sidekick lounging in the living room, but for showings, it’s best to temporarily relocate your pets.
What to do: Arrange for your pet to stay with a trusted friend, family member, or even a pet sitter.
Why: This way, you can thoroughly clean your home, and buyers can tour without any distractions (or unexpected barks) in the background.
2. Banish Those Pet Odors
Pet smells can be a real deal-breaker for buyers—even if your fur baby is adorable, nobody wants their potential new home to smell like a litter box or a dog park.
What to do:
Use pet odor removers or sprinkle baking soda on carpets, then vacuum it up.
For pets like fish, turtles, or hamsters, make sure their tanks or cages are spotless and well-maintained.
Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for stubborn smells.
Pro Tip: Have a friend or your realtor do a quick “whiff test” to ensure your home smells fresh and inviting!
3. Say Goodbye to Pet Hair and Stains
Even the cutest pet hair can quickly turn into a messy situation if it’s all over your furniture and floors.
What to do:
Vacuum thoroughly (and then vacuum again, because pets leave hair everywhere!).
Spot-clean any stains on carpets, rugs, or upholstery using a commercial-grade cleaner.
Remember: A clean, hair-free home not only looks tidier but also prevents potential allergy issues for buyers.
4. Hide Their Stuff (Temporarily)
While your pet’s quirky accessories and toys might be adorable at home, they can clutter up your staging.
What to do:
Pack away collars, leashes, pet beds, toys, and food bowls.
Store them neatly in a closet or a storage bin until after the sale.
Why: A decluttered space helps buyers focus on the home’s features rather than on pet paraphernalia.
5. Repair Pet-Caused Damage
Let’s face it—pets can be a bit mischievous. Chewed baseboards, scratched floors, or any other pet-related mishaps need fixing before showings.
What to do:
Repair or touch up any noticeable damage to furniture, floors, or walls.
Consider hiring a professional if the damage is extensive.
Bottom Line: A well-maintained home signals to buyers that it’s been cared for—even if your pet left a few marks along the way.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home with pets in tow isn’t as daunting as it might seem. By temporarily relocating your furry friends, eliminating odors, cleaning up fur and stains, hiding pet accessories, and repairing any damage, you can ensure your home looks fresh, inviting, and ready for new owners. And remember, communication with your realtor about your pet situation can make all the difference in tailoring the showing process to suit your unique needs.
Ready to sell your home (and give your pet a little break, too)? Let’s chat! I’m here to help you make the transition as smooth as possible—no pet hair included.