"What Should I Do With My Pets?"
Your pets may be cute, cuddly and very friendly, but the reality is that they can be a detriment when you are trying to sell your home. Some sellers are afraid of certain pets, or they may have an allergy. They may think that pets make the home dirty, or the home may have an animal odor that strikes buyers as soon as they walk in the front door. These are just some of the many reasons why your pets may pose an issue when you list your home for sale. Our team at Dewar Realty has considerable experience helping our clients sell homes for top dollar in the Cambridge area. I myself have 100lb dog’s so I understand the challenges well & by following a few helpful tips, you can more easily overcome the issues of selling a home with pets.
Thoroughly Clean and Sanitize the Home
Pets may have odors that you have grown accustomed to, but these unpleasant odors may be very apparent to buyers who tour your home. Hire professionals to steam clean your carpets and upholstery a day or two before the home is listed for sale. Clean pet messes from the yard regularly, and vacuum the home daily while your home is open for showings. Litter boxes should also be cleaned daily.
Remove All Signs of Pets Before Each Showing
Some buyers are opposed to buying properties that have had pets in them at all. After all, some people simply do not like animals. You do not want to turn off any potential buyers, so it is a good idea to remove all signs of pets before each showing. As part of your preparation process, vacuum carpeting and upholstery. Hide food and water bowls. Remove pet crates, bedding and toys from the home.
Take Pets With You When You Leave the House
Ideally, your pets will not be left in the home during a tour. Most tours only take about 20 to 30 minutes or less, so you may consider taking your dog with you on a walk or simply sitting in the car at a local park with your cat. Your pets preferably will not be left at home while you are away at work. If possible, plan to take them to a pet daycare service or leave them with a neighbour. Keep in mind that all areas of the home should be accessible to a buyer, including the garage or backyard. Therefore, do not keep your pets in these areas if possible.
Finding a solution for your pets when listing a home may take some planning and effort. However, Cambridge real estate often sells very quickly, and the team at Dewar Realty can help you to position your home for the best results. Because of this, you and your pet may only have to take these steps for a short period of time.
Posted by Greg Dewar on
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