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What to Do with Pets When Selling a Home
Dated: May 24 2023
Views: 51
Most people cherish dogs, cats, and other household pets, but there is a time and place for everything. Unfortunately, having pets when selling a home can cause major problems and have a negative impact on your bottom line. We understand that being an animal lover can be a difficult pill to swallow, but please read on.... Here's how to handle pets when selling a house.
WHY PETS NEED TO GO…
Whether your home is being held open or having a showing, below are just some reasons why pets need to be removed from your home during these times.
Fear & Nerves
It may seem difficult to believe, but the most common animal fear is that of cats and dogs. While many people do not fear pets, they are not at ease around them. We've had clients refuse to enter homes with pets. Of course, the goal of selling is to get as many people through your door as possible in order to broaden the field of interest.
Unpredictability
We frequently hear, "my cat is so nice" and "my dog doesn't bark." Well, we've had that "nice" cat attack potential buyers and draw blood, and that "non-barking" dog become so territorial that it barks, growls, and scares buyers and agents — to the point where they have to leave. You may have the best-mannered pet(s), but you never know how they will react to strangers entering your home (or how a stranger will treat your pet).
It’s Not THEIR Pet
Even pet owners may have reservations about YOURS. Just because they adore their own dog does not imply that they will adore yours.
WHAT TO DO WITH PETS WHEN SELLING A HOME
Here are some of the ways our clients have dealt with the issue of pets:
- While your house is on the market, leave them with family or friends.
- Board them for a set period of time.
- Bring them to work with you for the day (if possible).
- Hire a dog walker to take them away for showings.
- Request that a close neighbor take your pet during showings.
- Move out of your house and take them with you.
Of course, everyone’s situation is different and the right option will vary depending on how long your home remains on the market and how many showings you have scheduled. We can help guide you through this decision of what to do with pets when selling a home.
THE UPSIDE
When you are dealing with the logistics of removing your pet from your home for showings, remember the many benefits of doing so:
- There is no danger of your pets escaping and becoming lost.
- Less liability (you would be held liable for any pet attacks in your home).
- Increased likelihood of receiving top dollar for your home
- Increased showings will aid in the sale of the home.
- Buyers can imagine themselves (and THEIR pets) living in your home more easily.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you can arrange for your pet to be out of the home while it’s on the market or at least for showings and open houses, it will help tremendously in getting your home sold quickly and for the best possible price. We are always happy to discuss what may work best for you and your family.
Danielle Sharp
Full time REALTOR since 2002, I moved from the Detroit area to SWFL in 2007. Since 2011 I have been the broker/owner of Sharp Homes Realty, a small boutique brokerage based out of Cape Coral. We are f....
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