Preparing for Showings When You Have Pets
How to Keep Your Home Looking Its Best
You’ve been planning your move for a while, and your to-do list is finally feeling manageable. Packing? Check. Real estate agent? Check. Movers? Check. You take a deep breath and think, “I’m almost there!”
But there may be one important detail left to consider: your four-legged family members.
When potential buyers come through your home, you want them to see a clean, comfortable space where they can picture themselves living. That means thinking beyond the usual decluttering and tidying up... Fido’s favorite toy, Mittens’ cat tree, food bowls, litter boxes, pet hair, etc. can all affect a buyer’s perception during a showing.
The good news? A little planning can make showings easier for you, your pets, and prospective buyers. Here are some simple tips to keep tails wagging, stress levels low, and your home ready to make a great first impression.
Take the Time to Sweep, Vacuum & Dust
If you have a pet that sheds, this is a must. Pet hair can accumulate quickly and show up almost anywhere. Try to get all the nooks and crannies you can reach. A dry mop is a great tool to start with so you can sweep all the dust/animal fur into one pile and vacuum it up at once. Also, don’t forget the ceiling fans.
Deodorize
We all love our furry friends, but not everyone loves the smell of them. The best way to take care of this is to utilize air fresheners or baking soda. If you’re leaving the home staged with your furniture, such as a couch, there are many upholstery-friendly sprays you can use to neutralize pet odors. If you’re remaining in your home until it’s sold, a Litter Genie is a great product for litter box disposal that really cuts down on any cat odors as well.
Remove or Limit Pet Evidence
Try to limit or completely remove evidence of your pets. This will allow buyer to visualize the potential that your home has for them as a blank canvas. This may not be possible for every situation, but in any case, try to put away food bowls, leashes, pet beds, toys, etc.
Repair Any Pet Damage
If you have any visibly stained carpet in your home, a vinegar-water solution and baking soda work like a charm. The vinegar-water solution should break down the stain and odor and the baking soda will absorb the moisture. You can also use a pet enzyme solution. Try to address any scratches on doors and walls as well as compromised furniture.
Clean the Front/Back Yards
Make sure to give your front and back yards a clean up to ensure there isn’t any pet waste or debris visible. Clean is always the goal.
Relocate or Manage Pets
If possible, remove your pets from the home when showings are taking place. An alternative is to designate them to a specific room and let your real estate agent know so they are aware. This will allow for a distraction-free walk through for potential buyers.
Communicate with Your Real Estate Agent
Make sure to stay on top of communication efforts with your agent and let them know if you will have any special instructions regarding your pets, such as needing 2 hours notice for private showings to take care of putting things away and relocating your pets.
Overall, make sure that your home is sparkly clean and your pets are not distractions so your showings go off without a hitch.
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