Published December 8, 2023
The Impact of Pets on Home Sales
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Over the years our team has worked with many home sellers who are pet lovers, and while we 100% agree that they are man’s best friend they do require a seller to do a little extra prep when going to sell their home. Here are a few steps that we recommend for our animal loving sellers to maximize the potential sales price of their home:
Handle Fur And Odors: The majority of homeowners stay on top of some of the side effects of pet ownership, but occasionally they can become used to things like an animal smell or some shedded fur that would stand out to a prospective buyer. These are both easy fixes, just have a third party like your listing agent visit your home for the first time to get an unbiased opinion and then pursue remedies like deep vacuuming and deodorizing. Doing this can also help prevent buyers with animal allergies from being deterred from the home.
Damage To Property: Pets can sometimes cause damage to a home, such as scratched floors, chewed furniture, or dug-up gardens. A seller will want to repair any visible damage or consider making necessary upgrades before listing the house for sale.
Distractions During Showings: Pets can be a distraction during home showings. Barking dogs or over-friendly pets might make potential buyers uncomfortable or distract them from focusing on the house's features. An easy fix for this is to take your pets with you when you leave the home for the showing if possible, or leave them in the backyard if not possible.
To optimize the sale of a home when pets are involved, consider these steps to mitigate any potential concerns. Highlight the positives, such as a well-maintained property and any pet-friendly features, while also ensuring that the home appeals to a broad range of buyers. Working with a real estate agent experienced in selling homes with pets can also be advantageous in navigating these challenges.
If you have been considering selling your home, give our team a call! We would love to help you prepare your home for sale and guide you through the process.
