While a home is in the de-cluttering and depersonalizing stage before it goes on the market, remember that your pets are as personal as family photos on display. Many homebuyers are pet owners as well, but a seller needs to eliminate as much evidence of their furry family members as possible.  
 

  • Before listing the home, thoroughly clean carpets and hard surfaces with an enzyme cleaner, which will help eliminate any pet odors or stains. The Humane Society offers some tips on cleaning furniture, hard surfaces, and repairing scratches. 
     

  • Keep pets out of the listing photos; sure, they can be cute and gain online views, but some buyers will not consider a house that has pets living in it. 
     

  • A cat’s litter box should be cleaned thoroughly with a 50/50 water/vinegar solution to help neutralize unpleasant smells and clean the litter daily. Using a covered litter box is perfect, especially one with a carbon filter. 
     

  • The outside of the home is as important as the inside, and any dog runs or play areas need to be spruced up and look their best. Fill in any holes and spray odor neutralizer in places used most often. 
     

  • More likely than not, exotic pets can scare some potential homebuyers away. Make arrangements for someone with experience to care for them while the home is on the market.  Petsitter.com can help find the right person to care for your caged pets. 
     

  • When leaving the house during a showing, take the dogs along, and place the cats in a carrier if possible. If taking them with you is inconvenient, ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to pet sit during the showing. 
     

  • If taking your pets with you or a pet sitter is totally out of the question, crating your pet is the best solution, with signage that lets everyone know to leave the pet alone. 

 

Get your pets used to a new routine, and if they are not already crate-trained, start before the home is listed. While everyone’s safety is important, keep in mind that cleaning and repairing any pet damage are crucial to making a good impression on potential buyers and selling your home. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credits: WIN Home Inspections