Selling your home is exciting, but if you’re a pet owner, it adds an extra layer of preparation. While we love our furry companions, not every buyer is a pet lover, and some may be sensitive to pet odors or allergies. Don’t worry—with a few simple steps, you can stage your home to appeal to any buyer while keeping your pet’s comfort in mind.
1. Deep Clean to Eliminate Pet Odors
Pets can leave behind subtle odors that you might not notice, but potential buyers will. Start with a deep clean of your entire home, focusing on carpets, rugs, and furniture where pets spend time. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure your home is completely odor-free. A fresh-smelling home makes a great first impression!
2. Minimize Pet Hair
Pet fur can cling to every surface, and buyers will notice it during showings. Vacuum your home daily, including furniture and floors. If you have a shedding pet, investing in lint rollers and keeping them handy for quick touch-ups before showings is a great idea. Pay extra attention to areas like couches, beds, and curtains.
3. Hide Pet Toys and Accessories
Before showings, store pet beds, toys, and food bowls out of sight. While buyers love a clean, clutter- free space, seeing pet-related items might remind them of potential pet damage or messes. You want your home to appeal to everyone, not just pet owners. Having a dedicated area to tuck away these items helps keep your space tidy.
4. Repair Pet Damage
Scratches on doors, chewed baseboards, or worn-out grass patches in the yard are common signs of pet wear and tear. Before listing your home, tackle small repair projects like fixing scratched floors, filling in yard holes, or replacing damaged trim. Buyers will appreciate the care you’ve taken to maintain the property.
5. Consider Pet Arrangements During Showings
Even the friendliest pets can make buyers nervous, and showings can stress out your pets too. To make things easier for everyone, consider having your pets stay with a friend or in a pet daycare during showings. If that’s not an option, create a cozy, out-of-the-way space for your pet during visits, such as a crate in a quiet room.
6. Stage the Yard for Buyers with and Without Pets
If you have a dog-friendly backyard, stage it to show off the space. Make sure the yard is free of pet waste and tidy up any toys. A well-kept yard can appeal to buyers with pets, but also to those looking for a clean outdoor space. Highlight the yard’s potential, whether for outdoor entertaining or as a pet- friendly retreat.
Conclusion
Staging your home when you have pets may take a little extra effort, but it’s well worth it. By eliminating odors, hiding pet clutter, and repairing any pet-related damage, you’ll create a home that appeals to any buyer—whether they have pets or not. If you need help preparing your home for sale or advice on staging, I’m just a call away and happy to help!