613-277-2663 awinch@kw.com

So, you have decided to sell your home. There may be a few chores on your list including decluttering and cleaning your home from top to bottom. When you have pets there are a few other things to consider than just moving a few items around. Read our tips to help you sell your home effortlessly when you have pets.

Doggie-doo is a no go!

We understand the weather may be cold but when Fido needs to use the facilities your yard can look like a minefield, especially in the Spring. Nothing turns off a buyer than seeing piles of waste littering your yard. Clean your yard up, including toys and any other messes your pooch or kitty may have made.

Your pet needs a toy box

When showings are in the future, you want pet toys out of the way when prospective buyers walkthrough. Designate a special toy box (preferably with a lid) to stow any toys to avoid any trips or falls from anyone visiting your home. Make it an accent piece that will also go with your décor.

Make sure that your pets have another place to hang out during showings. Buyers want to look at your house no matter how adorable your pets are!

Fur, fur everywhere

Let’s face it if you have a pet, you have pet hair. Fur can get everywhere from furniture to curtains to ceiling fans. Focus on getting your home free of hair by dusting surfaces and vacuuming carpets. Water spills and pet tracks may be the norm in your home but need to be tidied up before your buyers walk through the doors. Schedule a deep cleaning of your carpet and throughout your home especially if you have multiple pets. Many people have allergies, and you want your home to appeal to all buyers.

Repair the chew marks

If you have chewed up baseboards or scratched hardwood, fix them before your home is staged. You will be having professional photographs of your home and you want your home to be flawless in each photo. Future buyers will be reluctant to make repairs from pet damage in your home.

Remove the litter box as they are notorious for making odors in a home. Cover it up in your garage or an area out of sight.

Staging your home with pets can be picture perfect!

First impressions are very important when you sell your home. This can make or break a sale if your home doesn’t look thoroughly clean. Don’t try to mask any pet odor with air fresheners as this may also be a deterrent to those who have allergies. If you can’t get all the odours out of your home, seek a professional company that has allergy-free, natural products.

We hope these tips can make your journey to selling and staging your home a little easier when you have pets. If you still are not sure where to start, talk to the Anne Winch Real Estate Team to get expert advice on staging and selling your home.