Selling a Home with Pets
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, six out of ten households in the U.S. own a pet and pet owners spend more than $40 billion a year on their animals. As much as pet owners love their pets, it's smart to think about how your cat or dog may be hurting your home's marketability. Courtesy of The Washington Times, consider the following when trying to sell your home: Check for odors. You won't be able to tell if your home has an odor, so have your agent or a neighbor come by with their noses ready. Even in homes with perfectly mannered pets, homes can still have an odor that may turn off some buyers. Don't go overboard with freshener, rather, use odor neutralizers instead. Try to put yourself in the mind of a non-pet owner and make sure your home appeals to any type of buyer. Be sure to vacuum daily. While you are showing your home, be sure to vacuum daily. Pet hair is another turn-off that some potential buyers may pick up on right away. While you're at it, open the windows and let some fresh air in. The more you can do to keep the home ventilated, the better. If possible, keep your pets away from showing appointments. It's impossible to know what type of buyer is going to come through the door, therefore, you won't know what effect your pet may have on them. Some may be scared of your pet or overly distracted by it. You want your touring visitors to really take in all your home has to offer. If possible, relocate your pet temporarily or keep it in the yard. Also, hide any dishes, toys or other signs of pets residing in the home. You want your home to have the most cleanly appearance possible. Buyers have many options in today's market. Don't give them a reason to cross your home off their long list. Although your pet is probably viewed as a member of the family, it's important to keep your home extremely tidy when showing it to buyers. By being aware of the "pet factor," you can neutralize your home to please any buyer's perception. |
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