In The Doghouse? Tips For Homeowners With Pets

Selling a house that has pets? Potential buyers may automatically expect fur, odors, dirt, and damage. Luckily, you have time to erase all traces before you list. If you're a homeowner and a pet owner, don't let your beloved family members become financial obstacles. Keep them out of the selling and showings altogether with a few practical real estate strategies.

Here are some of the most valuable steps to take in order to sell a home with pets:

• Keep Pets and Pet Supplies Out of Photos
  Professional real estate photography can make all the difference for a listing, but your rooms will look less valuable if you forget this crucial step. Before the photos are taken, stash anything that belongs to your pets in cabinets and closets. That means litter boxes, dog toys, scratching posts, water bowls, and any other dead giveaway that animals live there.
  
  Of course, once the photos are taken, it's a good idea to keep these items out of sight for good. If you need to take them back out, make a note of each item. Then, make sure you find it and put it away before anyone shows up. It's easy to overlook the supplies you see every day (for example, leashes hanging near the back door or food bowls on the kitchen floor). Your list will prevent slip-ups when you're in a rush.
  
  
• Get Rid of All Pet Odors
  Whether or not your pets have accidents inside, there's a very good chance they changed the odor of your home. Fur, oils, and dirt get trapped in carpet and upholstery, and covering them with new smells is only temporary. Instead, spray pet-specific products, such as odor eliminators with enzymes, on all your furniture, rugs, drapes, textiles, and carpets. Don't forget to replace all your air filters too.
  
  Of course, you might be "nose-blind" to your home's odors, so it's important to get an outsider's perspective. If you think the smell's gone (or didn't notice it in the first place), get a second opinion. Your real estate agent, friends, and even neighbors will be able to tell you whether any scent lingers. If it does, invest in an air purifier, a fan with a high-quality filter, or even professional cleaning services.
  
  
• Make Arrangements for Last-Minute Pet Care
  As soon as your home is listed, you have to start living like a buyer could arrive at any time. Being flexible and keeping things clean (or easy to put away quickly) helps your real estate agent maximize your opportunities to sell. It also eliminates the risk of any encounters that upset the strangers in your home. Of course, that means pets need to come with you when you leave.
  
  Prepare your carriers and leashes for a quick exit, and find a place where you can always bring your pets for a couple of hours, like a dog park or a friend's house. Remember: you may already be out of the house the next time you get a call. If you're not home when it's time for a showing, you will need to call a reliable pet sitter who can bring them elsewhere for you. Arrange this now, before you run out of options and have to turn down a visit.

Are you ready to turn your cozy doghouse into a home that will sell? Before you list, make sure you take these steps to keep pets out of the picture.

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