Buying or selling your home can be a daunting process and it can be even more so when you are buying or selling with pets. Here are some tips that may help with the process.
SELLING YOUR HOME WITH PETS
Consider hiring a Realtor who is comfortable with your pets. It’s bad enough that there may be some people who will come through your home who may not be comfortable with your pets but your real estate agent should not be one of them.
Selling your home with your pets will take some thought and additional items on your “to do” list. You will need to “walk in the buyer’s shoes” when you consider what needs to be done before you put your home on the market. Here are some ideas to consider.
Showing Your Home
Have you thought about where you will keep your pet during showings? When it comes to showing your home you should consider what may be the best for you and your pet during showings. Something to think about is that even if your pet is friendly, there could be some buyers who are just not comfortable with pets. Some options may be you could take your pet for a walk during the showing, maybe put your pet in a kennel during the showing or maybe a friend could take care of your pet while your home is on the market. All these options could reduce the risk of your pet getting out during a showing or your pet feeling overwhelmed by all the strangers walking around their habitat. If your pet will be home during showings, make sure they are in a secure place in your home. It is best that they are not running around as you don’t know who may be comfortable with your pet or that your pet may be the focus of the showing (I know he must be quite a beauty but you are selling the home not your beloved pet). You want all focus to be on your home.
Thorough Cleaning
Doing a well thorough cleaning of your home will go far in the presentation of your home. Remember some buyers may not have animals and will be very sensitive to smells that maybe you have become “nose blind” to. Keep all litter boxes cleaned and frequently change the litter, clean up any pet waste inside and outside (remember buyers will be walking all around outside the home), steam clean carpets and drapes. Consider replacing carpet if stains are prominent or strong pet odors. Repair any pet damage to walls, doors, trim, baseboards, carpets, hardwood floors and yard.
BUYING A HOME WITH PETS
Consider hiring a Realtor who has your pets safety and health in mind. Your pet needs should be considered when you are looking for a home and your Realtor needs to take those issues seriously.
Pet Guidelines, HOA’s, Breed Restrictions, etc
Inquire into any pet guidelines, HOA’s, breed restrictions, and ordinances before deciding where you are going to move. Are there any dog parks nearby? Don’t forget to check on local leash laws. It would be a shame to find a beautiful home and then find out it is not cohesive with your pets.
Your Pet’s Veterinarian
Interview veterinarians in the potential neighborhoods you are considering. Have your pet’s veterinarian records forwarded to the new veterinarian prior to moving day.
Safety
Your contact information including phone numbers should be current on all your pet’s tags. Consider having your pet microchiped. Of course, make sure your pets are wearing their collars and tags. For small caged animals attach a sign with your contact information put on their cages.
Moving Day
Have your pets crated if possible. Strangers may be going in and out of the home which may be overwhelming for your pets. Remember the family is trying to get acquainted with the home and may be distracted. They may accidentally leave a door open and let them out into the the unfamiliar neighborhood. To help reduce your pet from being so overwhelmed, try introducing them slowly to the new home. Considering introducing your pet a room at a time.
Feeding Schedule
It would be best if you can keep the same feeding routine as you did in your former home.
Pet Beds
Thinking about buying your pet a new pet bed for the new home? It may be best if you keep the old one with their familiar scent on it. Wait until your pet becomes accustom to their new environment before purchasing their new bed.
So buying or selling with pets should be a happy time and I hope these tips may have been helpful.
For tips on curb appeal go to our blog Curb Appeal Matters!
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