There are multiple benefits associated with owning pets. They can help reduce stress, prolong
their owner’s lifespan, and provide constant companionship. Pet owners rarely want to learn
about any potential downsides. But if you are getting ready to put your property on the market,
you may want to anticipate a few problems with potential buyers.
Written by Karl Kennedy
Author of ProjectorTop.com
How Pets Can Influence Home Values
You love your furry friend and probably don’t notice any odors when you walk in the door. All you care about is the affectionate greeting, but potential buyers may notice a distinctive smell. Even if your pet is house-trained and it’s been years since an accident occurred on the floors, animals can still leave an odor behind. The smell doesn’t bother everyone, but some homebuyers are more sensitive than others. Pet allergies from fur and dander are another potential issue with buyers. Even some hairless pets can still leave dander behind. Some individuals skip over homes on the market when pets are present. Children with pet allergies are another factor that can cause a potential sale to fall through. Pet odors and hair inside the home aren’t the only turn-offs for potential home buyers. Your yard may be another issue. Your pet using the yard as their bathroom can leave brown and dead patches throughout the turf. If you are lax about picking up after your pet, potential buyers are treated to unpleasant sights and smells. Your property may even put pet-loving home buyers off.Keeping Your Pet and Selling Your Home
You don’t need to temporarily rehome your pet when you are getting ready to put your property up for sale. Homeowners can take a few proactive steps to help ensure their property is ready for viewing.Start and Keep Cleaning
Almost every realtor will encourage their clients to ensure their house is spotless for home visits. When potential buyers walk into your home, they want to envision themselves in the space. As you are putting away family photos and cleaning underneath items like speakers, keep an eye out for clumps of pet hair. It can easily gather in dark corners, and you don’t want a surprise on the day of your open house. No one wants a potential buyer to stumble across a ball of loose dog or cat fur. Remember, your pet will continue to shed so you want to stay on top of the cleaning. Some sellers find hiring a professional cleaning service easier and more time effective. It does come at a price but it’s often worth the expense, especially if your pet has problems with house training.Take a Look at Your Yard
Chances are your front yard looks great. Your home has plenty of curb appeal, but what about the back or side yards? If your dog is using the back or side yard as its bathroom, it’s time to do a little gardening. Pick up any piles left behind and stay on top of it daily. Picking up after your pet will help prevent brown or dead spots in the grass from forming. You also want to pick up any toys before potential buyers arrive.Don’t Forget About the Litter Box
Cats are often a little cleaner than dogs, except for their litter boxes. Some great products trap odors, preventing the smells from permeating throughout the home. It’s a good idea to put the litter box up during your open house. If it’s not an option, keep it and your pet in a closed-off area.Have Pets and Are Ready to Sell?
Are you ready to make the move to a new home, but have pets? We can help you get your property ready to sell with or without pets. We can also help you find your next dream home.High End Upgrades To Increase Home Seller Value