How is Selling a Home With Pets Different From Selling Without Pets?

Selling a home with pets is different from selling a home when you don’t have any pets – and this guide outlines exactly how.

There are four major ways selling a home with pets is different from selling one when you don’t have any four-legged family members:

You may have to do some extra cleaning and care.
You may have to repair pet damage.
You should remove pet paraphernalia.
You have to find a place for your pet when buyers come to see your home.

Here’s a closer look at each.

Difference #1 in Selling a Home With Pets: You may have to do some extra cleaning and care.

As a pet parent, you know your little cuddlebug may be a bit on the messy side. That means if you’re selling your home in Boca Raton, you might need to do a little bit of extra cleaning and maintenance. If your pet has left behind stains, whether they’re on the floor, the walls or anywhere else, you need to do your best to eradicate them before you list your home for sale. Additionally, you may need to work on removing pet odors from your home.

Pro Tip: Have someone you trust visit your home and let you know whether it smells like your pet. Ask your friend or family member where you need to spend a little extra time removing pet odors.

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Difference #2 in Selling a Home With Pets: You may have to repair pet damage.

If your pet has done any damage to your home or your yard, you need to repair it prior to listing your home for sale. Though many people understand what it’s like to live with pets, many aren’t big fans of animals in the house. You don’t want to alienate prospective buyers before anyone visits your home – and you definitely don’t want them thinking about repairs before they’ve even had a chance to make an offer.

Difference #3 in Selling a Home With Pets: You should remove pet paraphernalia.

Even people who generally like animals may be put off by the fact that one lives in your home. That means you should remove all of your pet’s accessories (including toys, food bowls and beds) before you have listing photos taken of your home. All of these things should also go with you when you leave the house with your pet for a showing.

Pro Tip: Take down photos of your pet that are decorating your home. You should remove them before you have listing photos, and certainly before people start coming to see your space.

Difference #4 in Selling a Home With Pets: You have to find a place for your pet when buyers come to see your home.

When prospective buyers come to tour your home, your pets should leave with you. Naturally, no one expects you to take your goldfish bowl in the car (and as long as it’s clean, it can serve as a nice decorative touch), but you should take mobile pets with you when you leave. Some people don’t care for animals, some are allergic, and some are downright afraid of them. Whether you have a dog, cat, hamster or 16-foot python, you should remove your pets from your home when buyers come to call.

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