Selling a home can seem like a monumental task in itself, but throw a pet—or several—into the mix, and you’ve got an even more significant challenge on your hands. But fear not, pet parents! In today’s market, where pet ownership is more popular than ever, your fur-babies can actually be a selling point if you play your cards right.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into how to make the selling process easier on your pets, how to appeal to pet-loving buyers, and how to ensure that your home remains a hot property on the Waterloo Region real estate market.
Preparing Your Home
Deep Clean
Anyone who’s ever owned a pet knows that fur, odors, and little paw prints can accumulate quickly. Before listing your home, invest in a deep clean. Steam-clean the carpets, scrub the floors, and wash any pet bedding or toys.
This meticulous cleaning will not only remove any lingering pet odors but will also freshen up the overall air quality in the house, making it more inviting to potential buyers. Plus, a thoroughly cleaned home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained, increasing their confidence in the quality of the home.
Repair Any Damage
Over time, pets can cause wear and tear on a home—scratched hardwood floors, chewed furniture, or damaged lawns. These issues may seem minor to you, especially if you've grown accustomed to them, but they can be immediate red flags for potential buyers.
To make sure you're not overlooking any pet-related damage, walk through your home and yard with a critical eye, or even better, ask a friend or family member to do a walkthrough with you. An unbiased third party might spot issues you've become 'blind' to over time.
Before showing your home, it's crucial to address and repair these problem areas. If your hardwood floors have seen better days due to pet scratches, consider refinishing them to restore their natural beauty. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders on walls that have suffered the occasional bump or scratch from a frisky feline or energetic pooch. Examine all furniture and consider repairing or replacing pieces that have been chewed or scratched.
Don't forget to extend this scrutiny to your outdoor spaces. Pets love to dig, and your lawn may show it. Fill in any holes your pet may have created and reseed those areas or replace damaged turf. Look over your plants and landscaping as well; replace any plants that have been trampled or chewed on.
By taking the time to repair any pet-related damage, you'll not only make your home more attractive to potential buyers, but you'll also demonstrate that the property has been well-cared for, increasing its overall appeal.
Remove Pet Items During Showings
Your collection of pet toys and accessories, though endearing to you, can be distracting for potential buyers. During showings, remove pet items from view to help people focus on the property itself. This will also help buyers better envision their own life in the home.
Consider Your Pet’s Needs
Find a Safe Space for Your Pet
During showings, it’s generally best to remove your pet from the home entirely, whether that means going for a long walk, visiting a friend, or taking a short trip to a local pet-friendly café. If that’s not possible, create a designated space for your pet that is both comfortable and contained. Be sure to let your real estate agent know where your pet will be so they can inform potential buyers.
Keep Routines
Pets are creatures of habit. With the additional chaos of showing a home, it’s easy for them to become stressed. Maintain regular feeding and walking schedules as much as possible. This will help keep your pet calm and easier to manage during this hectic period.
Make a Moving Plan
Eventually, the sale will go through, and you’ll have to move, which can be another source of stress for pets. Prepare in advance by getting them used to their carriers and considering how to best transport them to your new home. For even more guidance when the time comes we created a longer guide to moving with pets here.
Attracting Pet-Loving Buyers
Highlight Pet-Friendly Features
If your home has any pet-friendly features like a fenced yard, nearby parks, or built-in pet stations, make sure to highlight these in your listing. You'd be surprised how many buyers prioritize these features when looking for a new home.
Consider Including Pets in Your Staging
While it’s generally a good idea to remove pet items during showings, you might want to consider bringing them back for the photos that will go in your listing. Set up a cute dog bed or display a stylish cat tree to let potential buyers know that your home is pet-friendly.
Disclose Pet Ownership Upfront
Some buyers may have allergies or other concerns related to pets. Being upfront about pet ownership can help filter out buyers who might have issues later on, saving you time in the long run.
Overcoming Challenges
Allergies and Sensitivities
As mentioned, some potential buyers may be allergic to pets. Consider this when deep cleaning your home and maybe even invest in an air purifier to help remove allergens.
Navigating Home Inspections
Pet damage can sometimes show up during home inspections, so be proactive about addressing any issues beforehand. This can smooth out the process and prevent potential setbacks.
Selling Your Pet Friendly Home With Expert Help
Selling a home in the Waterloo Region—or anywhere, for that matter—can be a complex task, especially when pets are involved. However, with careful planning, consideration, and a little extra effort, we can not only make the process smoother for your fur-babies but also attract buyers who will appreciate the pet-friendly features of your home.
Team Pinto can help you with all this and more. So go ahead, let us help you turn your pet-friendly home into a hot property on the market!
Your pets may not understand the ins and outs of real estate, but they do understand the feeling of home. Ensuring a smooth transition for them will make the process rewarding for all members of your family, two-legged and four-legged alike.
As local pet parents ourselves, we deeply understand the intricate considerations involved in selling a home with pets. Our specialized expertise will help spotlight the features that make your home a paradise for pet owners while guiding you through the steps to ensure that your pets have a smooth transition.
We know the Waterloo Region's pet-friendly amenities like the back of our hand—from dog parks to scenic walking trails—and can provide valuable insights to make your listing stand out. With our support, you can rest assured that you're making the best choices for every member of your family as you embark on your next big move.