Tips for Pet Owners Who Want to Sell Their Home

Northern California Real Estate Podcast with Andrew Lamb

If you have a pet and you're looking to sell your home, I’ve got some helpful advice.

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Two out of three of us have a pet, and 61% of pet owners say they have trouble finding a home that is a good match for their pet.
In fact, a recent survey noted that 31% of animal owners don't put in an offer because a home would not suit their pet.
This means that if your home is a good match for a pet, it will be attractive to animal owners.
On the other hand, 67% of Realtors also estimate that having a pet in your home can make it harder for you to sell.
So what should you do? There are three things I typically recommend:
Number one, repair any damage
From the floors, to the walls, to the doors, and the yard — these are areas that pets love to chew on, scratch at, and dig up. Repairing this damage is an investment that will pay for itself many times over in terms of a higher sale price.
Secondly, get a professional to remove pet odors

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Pet owners are less sensitive to odors in their home than prospective buyers are.

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Pet owners are less sensitive to odors in their home than prospective buyers are. That's why you should hire a professional cleaning crew to clean carpets, rugs, or upholstery that has absorbed pet smells. Once you're done, ask a friend or your Realtor to sniff around to make sure the job is really complete.
Number three, take your pet out of your home during showings
Some people are afraid of animals. Others might be allergic. Regardless of the time, money, and effort you've put in to clean and repair your home, some buyers will be prejudiced by simply knowing that a pet currently lives there.
By following these simple guidelines, you will be able to sell your home for the highest price possible, whether the buyer is a pet owner or not.
If you have any questions or concerns about preparing your home for a sale, give me a call or send me an email today. I’m here to help.