Tips for Selling Your Las Vegas Home When You Have Pets
Even though your beloved pets have become a part of your family and a part of your home, it is important to remember that not all potential home buyers are pet lovers and some even might have allergies.
Therefore, it is important that you keep this in mind when showing your Las Vegas home.
Preparing Your Home for a Showing
Before opening up your doors to potential home buyers, it is vital that you remove as much pet hair as possible. Vacuum the carpets and the upholstered furniture, dust all of the furniture and sweep and mop all of the floors. Tackle any pet stains on the carpeting and place the kitty’s litter box and the dog’s bed in an inconspicuous place.
Use air fresheners and carpet deodorizers to mask any pet scent. In fact, use them even if you don’t detect any odors, as visitors will often detect odors that you have become used to.
Scour the backyard for dog droppings, especially if you know your potential home buyers will be walking outside. A deal can turn sour the moment a potential home buyer steps in Fido’s mess.
How to Handle the Pet Issue When Showing Your Home
The best case scenario is to remove all pets before showing your home. However, this is not always possible and certainly not convenient for many sellers.
A cat will typically hide when visitors arrive, but a dog often responds to visitors with barking, jumping and even growling. Take your dog for a long walk during the showing, if possible, or ask a neighbor to watch your dog during that time. You can also keep the dog outside, although this may detract from showing potential home buyers your home’s outdoor living spaces. Finally, a kennel may be an option if your home is being shown during the day, while you’re away.
Author Bio:
Richard is a Dallas real estate broker, who also manages the San Antonio real estate and Houston real estate markets.
Tags: Las Vegas Home Sellers
August 27th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Richard,
These are some good tips especially the fact that most sellers don’t notice their pet’s odor, but a potential buyer definitely will!
August 28th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Absolutely, I guess if you live with a certain smell, you eventually get use to it.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Welcome to our blog, Richard. My wife is deathly allergic to cats. Would you suggest agents list the pets in the MLS info to give potential buyers fair warning?
Thanks.
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August 28th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Thanks Mark!
The worst situation is when a buyer’s agent and their client walk into a home and have a sweet, but angry looking dog waiting for them.
Its frustrating when necessary instructions are left out.