Fido and Paws Best Friend...or Smelly Pet?

By Linda O’Koniewski

Most of us love pets, but how does a pet affect your sale? Will the fact that your dog runs loose mean that some brokers won’t show your house? If your dog is caged or in the yard will it bark loudly and distract from the showing? Will your cat try to make a break for it the minute a Realtor opens the front door? Is the pet food out and does it leave lingering odors? Is the litter box in the kitchen really a great showing asset? And one of the most awkward moments we have with our sellers is when we have to let them know we can smell their pet. If you are seriously thinking about selling consider the questions above. Ask yourself if it is wise to have your pet at home during the showing process and consider boarding or sharing your pet with a good friend during the time your house is on the market. At least make a plan to make sure your pet is not interfering with the house showings. Additionally, ask a trusted friend, one who claims to have a sensitive nose, to let you know if she can detect pet odors. If so, know that it must be addressed professionally or that an offensive odor in a house will inevitably cost a seller thousands and thousands of dollars.

Contact RE/MAX Heritage if you would like to learn more about buyer representation or to ask questions about preparing your home for sale.

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