I love dogs, especially boxers, but not everyone feels the same way. Some homebuyers find homes with animals to be a complete turn off. Therefore any evidence of your dog or cat may send them running in the opposite direction. So what does a homeowner do when your pet isn’t just an animal, it’s a member of your family?
Once you’ve made up your mind it is time to sell, you need to get a plan into action.
- Take your pet with you. Don’t leave your pets home alone to greet homebuyers and realtors. There is something off putting about a dog snarling at you as you try to preview a home.
- De-hair and de-stink! Make sure you vacuum every inch of your home and don’t forget the furniture. Use a lint brush or tape to remove hair from your furnishings. Get your carpets professional cleaned with products made to remove odors from urine.
- Scrub down! Clean your floors, tiles and walls to ensure there are no traces of animal slobber or stains. Don’t forget baseboards and vents too.
- Clear the air! Change heating filters and use lightly scented reed defusers that smell like apple pie, gingerbread or vanilla to make your house smell like home.Don’t forget to wash drapes and curtains too.
- Capture it. Some experts suggest bagging your mattresses to contain pet odors or using electronic air cleaners to rid your home of unpleasant smells.
If you tried all of these remedies and your home still smells or you have extensive damage you may need to consider calling in a professional to help remedy the situation. Remember this is not a once and done solution. You need to keep your home looking and smelling pet free throughout the home selling process.
For more tips and other real estate news, visit tomhealy.com