As pet lovers, we understand that our furry friends are part of the family. But when it comes time to sell your home, they could unknowingly be turning away potential buyers. While you may not mind a little pet hair or the occasional paw print, prospective buyers might see things differently. Here’s how pets can impact your home sale and what you can do to ensure your property appeals to the widest range of buyers.
1. Odors That Linger
No matter how clean your home is, pet odors can be persistent. You may not notice them, but buyers with a keen sense of smell will. The scent of dogs or cats, particularly in carpets and upholstery, can make a home feel less fresh and inviting.
Solution: Deep clean carpets, furniture, and drapes. Consider using an air purifier, opening windows for fresh air, and using odor-neutralizing products. In some cases, professional carpet cleaning or even replacement may be necessary.
2. Damage to Floors and Walls
Scratched hardwood floors, chewed baseboards, and torn screens can signal neglect to potential buyers, even if your home is well-maintained otherwise.
Solution: Repair or replace damaged areas before listing. Hardwood floors can often be refinished, and a fresh coat of paint can work wonders to cover up scuffs and scratches.
3. Pet Hair & Allergies
Some buyers have pet allergies, making even a brief visit to your home uncomfortable. Excessive pet hair can also make a home feel less tidy.
Solution: Vacuum daily, use lint rollers on furniture, and consider boarding pets elsewhere during showings to minimize allergens in the air.
4. The Distraction Factor
Even the friendliest pets can be a distraction. Buyers might be hesitant to enter certain rooms if a large dog is present, or they might spend more time playing with your cat than looking at your home.
Solution: If possible, arrange for pets to stay with a friend, family member, or at a pet daycare during showings. If that’s not an option, crate them in a quiet area and leave a polite note for visitors.
5. Pet Accessories Taking Over the Home
Large dog beds, cat towers, food bowls, and litter boxes can make rooms feel cluttered and draw attention away from your home’s best features.
Solution: Minimize pet-related items during showings. Store toys, beds, and food bowls out of sight and keep litter boxes immaculately clean.
6. Backyard Wear and Tear
Buyers looking for a well-maintained outdoor space may be turned off by brown spots on the lawn, dug-up flower beds, or excessive pet waste.
Solution: Reseed or sod patchy areas, repair fences if needed, and ensure outdoor spaces are clean and inviting.
Final Thoughts
We love our pets, but when selling your home, it’s important to present a pet-neutral space that appeals to all buyers. With a little extra effort, you can ensure that pet-related concerns don’t stand in the way of a successful sale.
Looking to sell your home in Upstate South Carolina? Realtor David Locke with Locke and Key Associates at Keller Williams is here to help! Contact me today for expert advice on getting your home market-ready.