We love our animals, but when you’re selling your home it can sadly be a very big problem. Let me explain why & how you can prevent these from happening to you when selling your home.
Pets are part of our family and a big part of our homes, but removing all evidence of pets is vital in listing and selling your home. Here are some of the problems pets pose in listing, and also in showing your home, and some solutions.
Prior to selling, undergo a major cleaning to remove pet hair and smells. It should go without saying that animal smells are not desirable in any circumstance, but there are also considerations that many people with allergies cannot tolerate pet dander. Second, address all pet related stains. This goes to scratches as well. Pet stains and scratches, while not often, will potentially affect the pricing of a home, especially if these are permanent. Third, remove all evidence of pets. Many buyers are looking for a blank canvas in a home and even if they are dog or cat people, they generally do not want to see signs of other peoples pets.
Now this brings us to the listing process. Once there are no signs of pets or pet related damage in your home, you are ready to list. When you list your home with a reputable realtor, be sure that you have a pet sitter and enforce your schedule of showings. Right now inventory on The Main Line is so limited that I doubt you would find problems with buyers acquiescing to a set schedule. In any event you will need a set schedule and pet sitter. Regardless of how well behaved your pets are, they are very distracting during a showing. You cannot control animals and you have no way of knowing if someone has allergies or is scared of or does not like animals. Additionally, remove all signs of a pet during a showing, as you would family photos and personal effects. This includes dog bowls, beds, litter boxes, scratch pads, and all pet toys. Last, be sure that your yard is free of pet waste. That would not be the impression you want to make before coming into a home.
How much of a difference does all of this make for selling a home? It makes a lot of difference. Pets can be one of the biggest turn off, even if the new buyers are pet people. Buyers want to feel like they are getting as close to a new home as possible and be able to envision themselves in a space. Animals, like children, are cute, but are also a big distraction for the point of a showing, which is to sell a home.
If you want to sell your home on The Main Line, there has never been a better time. I have years of experience and have helped hundreds of buyers and sellers. I offer complimentary listing analysis, so please reach out! Remember Kimmy Rolph Sells The Main Line and Local Areas.
