Selling a property? Don't let pets spoil your sale!

12 August, 2024

Selling a house can be a difficult and stressful process. There are many things to think about to make sure the sale goes smoothly. One thing that is often forgotten is how your pet might affect people who are interested in buying your home. There are people who don't love their animal friends as much as you do. Make sure your pet doesn't hurt your chances of selling your home by following these steps.

Understand Buyer Sensitivities

To begin, it's important to remember that not all possible buyers love pets. Some people might not want pets because they are allergic, scared, or just don't want them. They might be worried about damage or smells, even if they like pets. Being aware of these issues can help you make your house more appealing to a wider range of people. 

Cleanliness is Key

Potential buyers may not want to buy a home where pets have lived because of the smells, fur, and mess they make. Clean your house completely before anyone comes to look at it. This includes cleaning furniture, sweeping rugs, and mopping floors. The places your pet spends most of its time in need of extra care. Hiring a professional cleaning service can be a good way to make sure your home looks and feels great.

Manage Pet Odours

Pet odours can be a significant deterrent for potential buyers. Even if you’re accustomed to the smell, visitors will notice it immediately. Use odour-neutralising products and keep windows open to ensure good ventilation. Regularly wash your pet’s bedding and toys to minimise smells. In some cases, you can use air purifiers to reduce pet-related odours.

Repair Pet Damage

If you have pets at home, then there must be some inadvertent damage. Although these furry friends are cute, scratched doors and chewed furniture are some of the common mishaps to handle. Look for any evidence of pet damage on your property and schedule appropriate repairs. Fixing any other obvious problems, repainting scraped walls, and repairing broken carpets would make your house more desirable and imply good maintenance.

Remove Pet Accessories

While you are planning to set up your property for viewing, it's a good idea to minimise visible signs of your pet. This means putting away food bowls, litter boxes, toys, and beds. The aim is to create a neutral environment where potential buyers can envision themselves living. Too many pet accessories can distract from the home’s features and make it harder for buyers to imagine it as their own.

Also, think about renting short-term storage for this purpose. There are many small storage units available for rent. You can use those to keep pet accessories away from home. It can be a useful way to keep your home clear of junk while you're trying to sell it.

Plan for Viewings

Think about how having viewings will work if you have a pet. You should really get your pet out of the house when it's being shown. This stops any possible contact that might make buyers feel worried. Keep your pet in a certain area of the house and let the property agent know ahead of time if you can't get rid of them. Make sure that this spot is always clean and free of any pet mess.

Highlight the Positives

Bring out the good things. If your house is pet-friendly, make the most of it. For instance, if you have a big garden that's great for pets, make sure it's clean and tidy. Name any parks or walking paths close that pet owners will enjoy.

Professional Photography

Having professional photos taken of your home can make a big difference in how people see it online. Before the pictures are taken, make sure your house is in great shape. Remove any pet items from sight and ensure your pet is not in the photos. High-quality images that showcase your home’s best features without any pet-related distractions can attract more interest and viewings.

Communication with Property Agents

Make sure your property agent knows about your pet and any problems that might come up. They can help you manage standards and give you tips on how to make your home look its best. A property agent who knows what they're doing can also help you set prices and sell your home in a way that takes pets into account.

Consider Professional Staging

In some cases, professional setup can be beneficial. Usually, by hiding as many personal or pet-related items as possible, a stager can help you arrange your house so that it appears its finest.

Bonus Tips:

Another crucial consideration is feedback from potential purchasers. After every viewing, ask your property agent what people thought of the house—what they liked and disliked. Should someone express concerns about your pet, you should pay them great attention and address them immediately. In this regard, it could mean correcting pet damage even more, cleaning more frequently, or eliminating pet scents even more thoroughly.

We are a nation of animal lovers and many times, a pet can even add to the appeal of a home. But it is best to offer more of a blank canvas to buyers, at least in the first instance.