Selling a standard home can be quite a task – more so when you’re selling one that has long been a sanctuary for you and your fur babies. You may have grown accustomed to the sight and smells of the home you shared with the furry members of your family but remember this: Not all buyers are fond of pets. Some may even be sensitive to anything pet-related, from fur to the faint odor of their leavings.
That said, you can actually make it appear that no pets are living in your home for sale. All it takes is to exert some extra effort to make your house at par with – or better than – other homes in the market. Here’s what to do.
1. Put away pet accessories
Prepare your home before a showing by decluttering it and stashing away evidence that a pet takes residence here. This includes litter boxes, as well as your pet’s toys, beds, and bowls. If you’re having photos of your house taken, ensure that the real estate photographer omits all pet-related items from the pictures. It also wouldn’t hurt to double-check.
2. Eliminate odors and allergens
Despite being domesticated, many animals still manage to mark their territory (read: your house) with hormone-laden scents that are difficult to eliminate. Masking them by using scented candles, potpourri, or room sprays just won’t do. Instead, have rugs and upholstery professionally cleaned or spray them with an enzymatic cleaner that’s more effective in removing pet odors.
Here’s a DIY pet odor-eliminating hack: Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide! Here’s the recipe.
Also, see if you need to replace furnace air filters, which could spread pet odor. As for allergens, think about using a house fan or an air purifier with a HEPA filter to suck out particles like pet dander.
Make sure to eliminate traces of pet food particles, fur, and pet droppings before showing your home. When in doubt, ask a trusted friend to walk through your home and give an honest opinion regarding odor and fur before scheduling a showing.
3. Deep clean
Deep cleaning should be part of any seller’s checklist; more so, if you have pets. Pay special attention to floors, walls, baseboards, and upholstery. If you have the budget, hire a professional to clean your house. If not, make sure to wash everything that could contain pet hair and odor, like throw pillows and curtains. Check your furniture slipcovers and comforters, as well.
4. Restore damaged floor and furniture
Living with pets means dealing with their scratch marks on your doors, furniture legs, and hardwood floors. Even your curtains may not be spared. Thus, make sure to have any traces of pet damage repaired or simply remove the damaged furniture.
Use putty, wood filler, and a bit of paint to repair door scratches. Try rubbing your wood floors and furniture with coconut or walnut oil to get rid of pet scratches. Remove or replace fabric that has been torn by pets.
Selling a home where pets lived is among the many popular tips that we at Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate get asked about. If you’re in Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, or Lake Chelan, we can provide you with more home improvement tips and real estate advice. Contact us at (509) 888-8887 or email [email protected] – we’ll be happy to help!
