Selling a Home with Pets: Expert Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Value

Selling a home is never easy, and having pets can make it even trickier. Pet odors, damage, and distractions during showings are just a few things that might turn buyers away. But don’t worry—this blog breaks down the practical steps you can take to handle these challenges. We’ll cover expert tips and advice that real estate pros swear by, helping you get your home ready for the market and appealing to as many buyers as possible.

Understanding the Impact of Pets on Home Sales

Pets can affect the sale of a home in several ways. While 66% of U.S. households currently have a pet or plan to get one in the future, the remaining 34% may not be as understanding of pet-related issues.

Pet odors, damage, and allergens can negatively impact a buyer’s experience, even if they love animals themselves. Buyers without pets may be especially sensitive to any sign of pets in the home, associating it with extra work or future repairs. Being aware of these factors and addressing them before listing your home is crucial for minimizing buyer concerns and maximizing your home’s appeal.

Tips for Selling a Home with Pets

Tip #1: Manage Pet Odors and Allergens

One of the biggest challenges when selling a home with pets is controlling odors and allergens. Pet smells can permeate carpets, furniture, and even air ducts, making it difficult to achieve a neutral, fresh-smelling environment.

To tackle this issue:

  • Deep Cleaning: Regular cleaning may not be enough to remove deep-seated pet odors. Having the home professionally cleaned, including carpets, upholstery, and air ducts, is highly recommended. This can eliminate odors trapped in fabrics and improve indoor air quality.
  • Air Purifier and HEPA Filters: Invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters, which are designed to trap allergens like pet dander. These filters can help reduce airborne particles that may trigger allergic reactions in potential buyers.
  • Odor Neutralizers: Use odor-neutralizing sprays or products to target problem areas. Be cautious with fragrances, as some buyers may be sensitive to artificial scents.

Hiring professionals to deep clean your home can make a huge difference. In fact, 61% of REALTORS® advise their clients to take this approach to remove pet odors and allergens.

Tip #2: Repair Pet-Related Damages

Pets can cause significant wear and tear on a home’s interior. Common issues include scratched floors, chewed baseboards, and carpet stains. Addressing these problems before listing your home is essential to make a good first impression.

Here’s how to repair common pet-related damage:

  • Scratches on Hardwood Floors: Depending on the severity, minor scratches can be buffed out or treated with wood filler. For extensive damage, refinishing the floors may be necessary.
  • Carpet Stains: Stained carpets may require professional cleaning or, in severe cases, replacement. If the carpet is old or heavily damaged, consider replacing it entirely to create a cleaner, more modern look.
  • Chewed Baseboards or Furniture: Damaged baseboards can be replaced or repaired with wood filler and paint. Make sure to remove or repair any visible signs of chewing before buyers tour the home.

According to REALTORS®, 72% of their members advise sellers to replace anything that pets have damaged, as buyers may be hesitant to take on repairs themselves.

Tip #3: Prepare for Showings

During showings, pets can be a significant distraction or even a deterrent for some buyers. Removing pets from the home during showings creates a more neutral and comfortable environment for potential buyers.

Here are some practical steps to take:

  • Remove Pets During Showings: Whether you take them to a pet daycare, or kennel, or have a trusted friend or family member watch them, it’s essential to ensure pets are not present when buyers are touring the home.
  • Hide Pet-Related Items: In addition to removing pets, you should also hide any pet-related items such as food bowls, toys, beds, and litter boxes. This helps depersonalize the space and allows buyers to imagine themselves living there.
  • Create a Calm Atmosphere: Ensure that the home is clean, quiet, and free from distractions. Staging the home to look welcoming but neutral can help buyers focus on the property’s features rather than the presence of pets.

Tip #4: Laws and Regulations for Selling a Home with Pets

In addition to aesthetic considerations, there are legal and regulatory factors to keep in mind when selling a home with pets. These can vary depending on local ordinances and homeowners association (HOA) rules.

Important factors to consider include:

  • Disclosing Pet Ownership: Some jurisdictions or HOA agreements may require you to disclose if a pet has lived in the home, particularly if the pet has caused damage. Be sure to check local laws and your HOA’s regulations before listing.
  • Liability Concerns: If your pet remains in the home during showings or open houses, you may be liable for any incidents, such as a pet biting or scratching a potential buyer. For this reason, it’s best to keep pets away from the property during showings.

Tip #5: Market a Pet-Friendly Home

While selling with pets can present challenges, there’s also an opportunity to market your home’s pet-friendly features to appeal to pet-owning buyers, especially given the high percentage of households with pets.

Here’s how to highlight your home’s appeal to pet owners:

  • Showcase Pet-Friendly Features: If your home has a fenced yard, nearby parks, or pet-friendly flooring, be sure to mention these features in your listing. Buyers with pets may see these as significant selling points.
  • Create a Clean and Inviting Atmosphere: If your target market is broader, make sure the home appears neutral and clean in all listing photos and videos. Use virtual tours to showcase a pet-free environment while emphasizing the home’s best features.
  • Balance Your Appeal: In some cases, it may be best to downplay the fact that pets live in the home. Clean, declutter, and stage the home to look as neutral as possible, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home when you have pets comes with unique challenges but by taking the right steps you can increase your chances of selling quickly and at the best possible price. Whether you're selling to pet owners or not, these technical tips and considerations will help make your home more appealing to a broader audience and ensure a smoother sales process.

Looking for personalized strategies to sell your pet-friendly home faster? Reach out today for expert advice that gets results!

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