How to Sell Your House When You Have Pets

I have discovered, over years as working as a Chatham-Kent real estate agent, that everyone loves pets except one group of people: homebuyers.

Homebuyers may love animals, they may even have a pet of their own, but when it comes to buying a house they don’t want the seller to have a pet. This often confuses sellers who can’t understand why the buyer dislikes their beloved companion. Don’t worry – we will sell your house. But before then, you must see how having a pet can be an obstacle in getting the best price for your home. That’s where Chatham-Kent realtors come in.

Why the Bitterness Against Pets?

It’s easy to see pet-haters as picky and grumpy, but there are legitimate explanations that I hear as a Chatham-Kent realtor for homebuyers to be uncomfortable with pets.

  • Inexperience. If the homebuyer has never had a pet, they may be unsure of what to expect or how to behave.
  • Nerves. If the buyer isn’t used to having a pet around, they may not be comfortable with something that has fur.
  • Fear. Animals, however cute, can be the cause of bad experiences. Yet they are also the subject of unreasonable fears like superstitions about cats or dog bite horror stories.
  • Wrong furry companion. If they do have a pet, it’s the simple belief that their pet is perfectly behaved while all others are prone to clawing, drooling, biting, vomiting, and other disgusting habits.

How to Sidestep This Issue

You won’t like the best solution. As much as it is inconvenient, you need to relocate your pets while trying to sell your home if you want the best price. You can try the backyard, garage, or another room, but as a Chatham-Kent real estate agent I must tell you that removing your pets from the home entirely while buyers are there is your best option. Dogs bark, chew toys will still lay around, and litter boxes would still be out in the open with the pet around. You do have a few positive options:

  • Board your pet at a kennel
  • Ask a friend or family member to pet-sit
  • Send them on vacation

Overcoming Negative Attitudes Towards Pets

If you are firmly against relocating your furry companion, we need to at least negate the grievances. Here are a few steps that, in my time as a Chatham-Kent realtor, I know will help.

  • Keep litter boxes and potty pads out of site and spotless.
  • Remove all stains. Hire professionals if you must to prevent buyers creating negative general opinions. If you can’t remove the stains, replace the floor covering.
  • Seal dog doors
  • Put away their dishes when not in use
  • Vacuum frequently
  • Put pet toys away
  • Remove photos from around the house
  • Pack up their cages and crates

During a showing, put your pets away in a carrier with a note asking buyers not to disturb them. It’s impossible to predict how your pet will react to being locked in a carrier alone.

Now it’s time to sell! If you’re looking for a Chatham-Kent real estate agent, give me a call at 519-360-0141. I'd be happy to help!