Are you a pet owner that’s hoping to sell your home? As much as you love your four-legged friend or cuddly critter, all homeowners should be aware that the presence of a pet can negatively impact the resale value of your home. While most pet owners are prepared for the cleaning, repair and insurance costs that some pets create, there are many animal lovers that don’t realize the specific ways in which these family members can turn away those buying a house.
- Wear & Tear
Perhaps the most prominent sign of pet residence is the wear and tear they contribute to the home. Stained carpets, scratched flooring, chewed furniture and scraped walls are easy to spot and can lessen the perceived value of the home. After seeing these markings, many homebuyers will wonder what other damages are hidden throughout the house. - Odors
Smells are hard to get rid of, especially those from cat or dog secretions. Even if we cannot smell them, animals may still be able to. It’s not uncommon for dogs or cats to try and make their territory by covering these odors with their own scents. If a buyer can sense these smells, or is aware that a pet has lived in the home, it may deter them from buying. - Exterior Issues
Don’t forget that your pet might damage your exterior as well. Dogs will dig holes throughout the yard, potentially damaging the lawn and making it less attractive. Fences, outdoor furniture, and other features may be scratched, bitten or peed on. With curb appeal and rear yard space a top priority for buyers, some may not desire a home that has an outdoor area that looks abused. - Pet-Friendly Living
When a pet is part of the family, prospective buyers try to find a home that caters to these creatures. A large backyard, local dog park or spaces that can be used as the animal’s playroom are great features for pets. However, not all homebuyers desire these features. A large backyard may be too much work for older adults trying to downsize. Those with a fear of or allergy to animals may not want to live in a community that caters to pet-lovers. - Pet-Unfriendly Living
On the flip side, your home may not be suitable for certain pets. Smaller rodents, cats or dogs can easily live in a modest space but larger animals cannot. Families buying a house with medium to large-sized dogs may pass on your property if it doesn’t meet their animal’s needs.
Don’t worry! If you do have a pet, you can still successfully sell your home for a great price. Here are a few tips to follow when listing and showing the space to those buying a house:
- Consider having your space professionally staged with furniture that doesn’t show wear and tear from animals.
- Remove all signs of pets like cages, food bowls, and toys — in and out of the home — when taking photographs for the listing and viewings.
- Don’t forget to remove décor like photographs of you and pets too.
- Ask a neighbor without pets to visit your home to discover if they can smell any pet odors.
- Hire a professional cleaning service that specializes in pets to make your space look and smell amazing.
- It’s best to take your animals with you when you leave the house for buyers to view.
- Be prepared to negotiate if the buyer considers pet damage to be a loss of value in the home.
Even though your dog or other animals may lower your resale value, you can still successfully sell your home for a great price. Follow these steps to ensure you’re being considerate of the buyer’s feelings towards pets and show them that this can be the home of their dreams with or without a furry family member.
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