A Home-Seller's Guide to Listing a House with Pets
Pet ownership enters into every consideration when you’re thinking of buying or selling a home. I recently had a conversation with a seller about how they could best present their Greenville home when they had two large dogs, and I thought, “This would make a great blog post!”
For home sellers in Upstate South Carolina, there are numerous ways you can make your home more appealing to buyers and keep your pets comfortable from the time you list your home until moving day.
One of the first things to consider is how to prepare to list your home. If your house is very obviously a place where pets reside, you’ll need to make some changes. Even if the next homeowner might also be a pet parent, almost no one finds pet messes appealing. And you want your house to look (and smell) its best in order to get the highest offers.
Before photo day, remove all apparent pet paraphernalia. Dog beds, baskets of pet toys, cat trees, litter boxes, pet blankets, food bowls, kennels, etc. should disappear. Put them in a closet or in the garage where photos will not capture them.
If you have made any pet-related renovations, such as a cat flap in an interior door or a deck ramp for an elderly dog, offer to repair or replace those items prior to closing.
If your house has pet-related damage, such as a scratched up door frame, fix it before photos or showings.
Deal with odors and stains. If your carpets are heavily soiled or stained, invest in a professional cleaning. The cost will be worth it! If one room or part of your home is smelly, try to address the cause of the odor rather than covering it up with artificial scents. Buyers will always wonder what smell you’re trying to hide with heavy air “fresheners.” If you think you may have become nose-blind to the scents in your home, ask a friend (or me!) to be very honest with you about any pet smells.
Replace HVAC filters and deep clean your home. This is good advice even for home sellers without pets!
When the time comes to begin showings or have an open house, you’ll need a pet plan.
If possible, remove your pets from the house. This is the best advice I can offer, especially if you have large or energetic animals. Plan for them to stay with a loved one where they will be comfortable, or consider boarding.
If you cannot remove your pets, place them in a crate or enclosed space for showings. Many people think their pets will be fine if left unsecured during home showings, but this can lead to pets escaping or, worse, injuring a visitor. Ensure your pets’ safety and that of prospective buyers!
Try to make your home look like it is pet-free. Pick up toys, beds, bowls, etc. If you have exotic pets that might surprise unprepared visitors, cover their enclosures or cages.
After your home is under contract, make sure to notice any pet damage that might occur before closing and make the necessary repairs. You’d expect the same from the seller of your next home, so pay it forward.
Finally, remember that the process of selling a home and moving can be stressful on pets as well as people. Show your pets some extra love and understanding as you go through this experience together.
