For many people, pets are beloved family members. When it comes to selling a house, though, they can be a source of problems. If you have a pet, you might need to invest some extra time and money to make your home appealing to buyers.
Pets Can Leave Lingering Odors
Dogs, cats and other types of animals can leave smells that people will detect as soon as they enter your house. You might not notice an odor that you’ve grown accustomed to living with, but you can rest assured that potential buyers will. That can be an instant turnoff.
If your house has a pet odor, you’ll have to address it before you put the property on the market. If your real estate agent tells you that your house has a pet smell, take the matter seriously, even if you don’t notice the odor yourself.
Having your home professionally cleaned can help eliminate a persistent odor, but that alone might not be enough. You might also have to replace the carpets.
Your Pet Might Have Damaged the House or Yard
Cats are known for scratching, while dogs often chew on things that they shouldn’t, including home fixtures, and dig holes in the yard. Also, a pet’s untrimmed claws can scratch hardwood flooring.
You might have learned to overlook your pet’s misdeeds or accidental damage, but a prospective buyer won’t. You might need to have a contractor make repairs or refinish your wood flooring before you list your house. If your dog has dug up the yard, you might have to hire a landscaper to fill in holes, spread grass seed and clean up the garden.
You’ll Have to Remove Your Pet and All Signs of It for Showings
When people visit a house that they’re thinking about buying, they want to picture themselves living there. That’s why real estate agents advise clients to remove family photos and other personal objects before they have potential buyers come in.
Your pet should not be in the house when it’s being shown. Someone might dislike or be afraid of animals or might be allergic. Even if the people coming to look at your home are animal lovers, your pet’s presence can be a distraction. You should also get rid of any signs that a pet lives in the house, such as food and water bowls, a litter box, a crate and toys.
Don’t Let Your Pet Derail a Potential Sale
Buyers want to move into a new home quickly and look for houses that will require little or no work. Pet damage or odors can make your home unappealing. That’s especially true in a buyer’s market with more houses for sale than interested buyers. Your real estate agent can give you advice on how to address problems and recommend local professionals who can help you get your home ready for showings.
