When it comes to selling a home, presenting it in the best possible light is crucial.
This task can become a bit more complicated when you have pets.
Our furry friends, as adorable as they are, can sometimes create odors and wear and tear that potential buyers may find off-putting.
We will offer tips on pet-proofing your home and controlling odors, ensuring that your property is seen in its best light.
Removing Unwanted Signs Of Pets
The first step in preparing your home for sale is to remove all signs that a pet lives there.
Buyers want to visualize the space as their own, and removing any traces of your pet helps to create a neutral environment.
This doesn’t mean that you should get rid of your pets; it simply means that during showings, their presence should not be noticeable.
Getting Dog Smell Out Of The Couch
A common issue pet owners face is the lingering smell of their dog on the furniture, particularly the couch.
To address this, start by vacuuming the couch thoroughly to remove pet hair and dander.
Next, sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on the couch, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and can significantly reduce odors. After allowing the baking soda to work its magic, vacuum the couch again to remove the powder.
If the odor is still noticeable, consider using an enzyme-based cleaner. These cleaners are designed to break down the molecules that cause pet odors and are very effective.
Repairing Scratch Marks And Damages
Scratches and damage from pets can be evident on floors, walls, and furniture. It’s important to address these issues as they can detract from the appeal of your home.
For wooden floors, use a scratch repair kit that matches the color of your floor. Fill in the scratches and then seal the area with a protective coating.
For walls, paint over any scratch marks or damage with a matching color. If the furniture is damaged, it might be best to remove it from the house during showings or to use furniture covers that present the items in a more appealing manner.
Cleaning Pet Areas Thoroughly
Areas where pets eat, sleep, or play should be cleaned meticulously. Vacuum and mop floors to remove any pet hair or dander.
Clean pet bedding and wash or replace any pet toys that are worn out. If your pet has an area outside where it plays or goes to the bathroom, make sure that this area is clean and free of any waste.
Creating A Pet-Free Zone
While your home is on the market, it’s beneficial to designate certain areas as pet-free zones.
This will not only reduce the amount of cleaning needed but also ensure that potential buyers who may have allergies or aversions to pets can still enjoy viewing your home.
Relocating Pets During Showings
One effective way to create a pet-free environment is to temporarily relocate your pets during showings.
This can be as simple as taking them for a walk or to a local park. Alternatively, you can have a friend or family member watch them, or use a pet daycare service.
Setting Boundaries With Pet Gates
Using pet gates to keep your pets in certain areas of the home can be very helpful. This allows you to maintain some rooms as pet-free zones.
Make sure these areas are clean and free of pet odors or hair. This will allow potential buyers to see parts of the home that are untouched by pets and can make a big difference in their perception of the property.
Cleaning Air Vents And Filters
Pets often leave dander that can get caught in air vents and filters. This can cause allergens to circulate throughout the home.
Make sure to clean or replace air vents and filters before showings. This will not only help with pet odors but also create a cleaner air environment for potential buyers.
Staging Your Home
Staging your home involves arranging furnishings and decor to showcase the space in its best light.
When you have pets, extra considerations need to be made to ensure that your home appeals to the widest range of buyers.
Use Neutralizing Sprays And Air Fresheners
It’s essential to not only remove pet odors but also ensure that your home smells fresh and inviting. Use neutralizing sprays that are designed to remove pet odors.
Follow this by using air fresheners or scented candles to add a pleasant scent to your home. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as some buyers may be sensitive to strong fragrances.
Removing Personalized Pet Items
As a pet owner, you likely have various pet-related items around the home such as personalized food bowls or pet photos.
Before showings, it’s a good idea to put away these items. Similar to depersonalizing your space by removing family photos, removing pet-related items helps potential buyers imagine the space as their own.
Highlighting Pet-Friendly Features
While it’s important to minimize the presence of pets, it’s also a good idea to highlight features that would make the home appealing to other pet owners.
If your home has a fenced yard, doggie doors, or a mudroom that’s perfect for grooming, make sure to mention these features in your home’s listing.
Closing Remarks
Selling a home with pets necessitates meticulous attention to detail and strategic preparation.
By diligently removing signs of pets, such as odors and damages, creating pet-free zones, and thoughtfully staging the home, sellers can make a significant impact on the attractiveness of their property.
It’s important to strike a balance between eliminating signs of pet residency and highlighting pet-friendly features.
Creating a clean, neutral environment enables potential buyers to envision the space as their own, while subtly emphasizing pet-amicable attributes appeals to fellow pet owners.
In the competitive real estate market, the additional efforts made in pet-proofing and odor control could be the determining factors that turn a showing into a sale.
By investing time and resources into these measures, sellers enhance the appeal of their homes and pave the way for a successful and rewarding transaction.
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