Selling with pets? A little preparation can help buyers focus on your home, not the pets.
Pets are part of the family, but not every buyer will feel the same way. If you are selling your home, a few simple steps before viewings can help your property feel cleaner, calmer and more appealing.
Pets are part of family life for many homeowners.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises and everything in between. For a lot of people, a home would not feel the same without them.
But when you decide to sell, it is worth remembering one important point. You are not selling your pet. You are selling your home. That may sound obvious, but it matters.
Some buyers will love animals. Some will have pets of their own. Others may be nervous around dogs, allergic to cats or simply distracted by signs of pets in the property.
None of that means you have done anything wrong. It just means that when buyers walk through the door, you want them focused on the space, the layout, the garden and how the home could work for them.
You do not want them thinking about pet bowls, bedding, smells or whether the dog is going to jump up at them.
Try to keep pets away during viewings
Where possible, it is best for pets not to be in the property during viewings.
If you have a dog, perhaps a family member can take them for a walk. If that is not practical, keeping them safely in the car for a short viewing may work, providing the weather is suitable and it is safe to do so.
With cats, this can be more difficult, especially if they are house cats. In that case, it may simply be a case of making the viewer aware and keeping the cat in a room where it feels comfortable.
The aim is not to hide the fact that you have pets. The aim is to stop the viewing becoming about the pet rather than the property.
Remove bowls, beds and toys
Before viewings and photography, try to put food bowls, water bowls, pet beds, litter trays, toys and blankets out of sight. They may be part of everyday life, but they are not selling features.
This does not need to be complicated. Put them in a cupboard, garage, shed or car just before the appointment, then bring them back afterwards.
The property will usually feel cleaner, calmer and more spacious straight away.
Be honest about smells
Every home has its own smell, and when you live there every day, you naturally stop noticing it. Pets can add to that.
Before viewings, open windows, freshen the air and make sure pet related areas are properly cleaned. Try not to use overly strong air fresheners, as buyers can sometimes find those off putting too.
If carpets, rugs or soft furnishings hold pet smells, it may be worth having them professionally cleaned before marketing begins.
A buyer may not mention a smell directly, but it can still affect how they feel about the property.
Do not forget the garden
If you have dogs, the garden may also need attention before viewings. Make sure the lawn is clear, paths are tidy and any signs of pets are removed before buyers arrive.
For many buyers, especially families, the garden is one of the most important parts of the home. You want them imagining summer evenings, children playing or entertaining friends, not thinking about extra cleaning.
Selling with pets is completely manageable
You do not need to move your pets out of the house to sell successfully. You simply need a plan.
Keep pets away during viewings where possible. Remove bowls, beds and toys before appointments. Freshen the property properly. Make sure the photographs are clear of pet items. Pay attention to the garden.
These are simple steps, but they can help buyers focus on the home itself. When buyers focus on the home, they are far more likely to see its value.
If you are thinking of selling and would like advice on how to present your home properly before it goes to market, get in touch with out team using the details below.
Make sure you follow Keys & Lee on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for regular content and information for homebuyers and sellers in Romford.
07969 638349
duncan.kaye@keysandlee.co.uk
