3 Super-Simple, Pet-Related Reasons Your Home Isn’t Selling

If you’re selling your home in Boca Raton, you most likely expect to find a buyer fairly quickly – but what if you don’t? There are many reasons homes don’t sell, but if you have pets, you may want to explore these possible reasons.

Check out these super-simple, pet-related reasons that some homes don’t sell:

Pet odors are overwhelming in the home
You don’t take your pet with you during showings
There’s noticeable pet damage to some areas of your home

Here’s a closer look at each.

Pet-Related Reason #1 Your Home Isn’t Selling: Pet Odors Are Overwhelming

If your home smells like your pets, it can be a turnoff for potential buyers. Even if you don’t think the odor is bad, it could be overwhelming for someone who doesn’t have pets. A good way to tell if your home has overwhelming pet odors is to invite a trusted friend or family member over and ask whether they can smell your pet.

To combat this, try to keep your pet’s area as clean as possible. Wash all your pet’s bedding, clean up their dining area, and scour the floors where your pet spends the most time. Also, have your furniture professionally cleaned (even if your pet isn’t allowed on it). You should also:

Invest in an air purifier specifically designed to remove pet odors
Keep your windows open as much as possible to let in fresh air
Clean your carpets and floors regularly
Use pet-friendly, odor-neutralizing cleaning products throughout your home

Pet-Related Reason #2 Your Home Isn’t Selling: You Don’t Take Your Pet With You During Showings

You should always take your pet with you when you leave your home for showings. It’s not safe for your pet to leave them home when strangers are coming; in addition, some people are allergic to pets or simply don’t like them. In the worst-case scenario, someone could leave the door open and your pet could escape. Someone could also take your pet, accidentally harm them, or be scared of them.

You also shouldn’t leave your dog in the backyard when people are coming to see your home. Buyers want to explore your outdoor space, and many won’t do so if there’s a dog outside. If you’re not comfortable taking your pet with you when people come to see your home, find a friend or family member who can take them for the day, hire a pet sitter or take your pet to a pet daycare center.

Pet-Related Reason #3 Your Home Isn’t Selling: There’s Noticeable Pet Damage to Some Areas of Your Home

If your home has noticeable pet damage – such as scratched floors, chew marks on furniture or a pet door leading to the outdoors – it can be a turnoff for potential buyers. Not everyone is looking for a home that needs repairs, and they may not be willing to take on the extra work (and cost) of fixing pet damage.

To avoid this issue, try to repair any pet damage before listing your home. If the damage is too extensive, or if you’re not able to repair it yourself, you may want to consider offering a home warranty or selling your home as-is.

Related: Get your free e-Book, Family First: The Pet Parent’s Guide to Real Estate

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