Staging Tips - Selling with Pets
Selling your Home when you have Pets
It can be stressful enough to sell your house
without having to worry about your pets.
It can be even more stressful for your pets.
The most common advice to these questions is to minimize any signs that your home has pets living there. Some concerns are that buyers might be afraid or nervous around Angel and may be concerned about what she has done in the house, or possibly allergy triggers staying after you have moved on.
But of course there is another side...there are many reports of pets actually being an asset to home sales where pets make some buyers feel more comfortable and think the home feels more homey. There is even the idea of marketing your home as "pet friendly" if you have a fenced in yard, a doggy door, or a cozy cat-approved window.
Here's our suggestions:
Think of safety and comfort levels
You know your pet best. If you think they'll be stressed out and they're behaviour may be unpredictable, re-locate them. You don't want a showing booked, leave the house spotless, and then have Fido leave a welcome "mark" in the foyer. Buyers often bring their children to view a potential home - is your pet good with little ones? Will Wiskers bolt for the door when an unsuspecting buyer checks out your back deck? It's probably best to have them out of the house while there are showings going on.Remove stains and odours
Yes, pets leave an odour that we as pet owners get used to. These are even more noticeable in smaller rooms, in the winter (or air-conditioned summer months) when windows aren't opened often, or when you have large, or many pets. Potential buyers who have pets themselves are less likely to notice pet odours, but those buyers without pets notice it rather quickly. Maybe having the pets moved out would be a good idea. However, air fresheners and room sprays do help a lot, and may be all that is needed. Or...have some sweet smells come from the kitchen from fresh baked cookies, or a stove-top potpourri.Be aware of pets in photos
Pets love to photo bomb great pictures any chance they get! If your cat is lying on the kitchen counter, it could be a turn off to some buyers. It's best to have pet-free photos for your listing.Repair or remove signs of damage
Stained or damaged furniture is unattractive and this is not the lasting impression sellers want to leave with potential buyers. Scratched doors and trim, chewed stair railings or nasty spots on carpets are even more or a turnoff. Most likely, the costs of fixing these problems will pay for themselves in better offers. At least buyers won't be wondering about the lack of care of the home that they can't see, even if they are willing to overlook what they can see.Don't forget the yard
Buyers are looking outside of your home as well as inside. The last thing a buyer wants to come across is dog poop in the yard!
If you have questions or concerns, always ask.
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Darolyn Jones - ABR Broker of Record/Owner
Realty Executives Way Ltd. Brokerage
2-232 Kent. St. W. Lindsay, Ontario
705-324-7171
For SERVICE that MOVES you!
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