Home Staging Tips for Pet Owners
Home Staging Tips for Pet Owners
by: Teri Danahey, ASP/REALTOR
Pet owning sellers may turn off potential buyers if they don’t keep Fido or Fifi out of sight during showings. Two things seem to happen with pets in the house:
- A buyer is alarmed by a pet because they are afraid of, allergic to or concerned about a dirty home
- A buyer falls in love with the pet and they don’t pay attention to the house
Here is a list of advice for sellers when showing a house that has a pet:
- Remove photos of pets from the walls, shelves or refrigerators.
- Clean food and water bowls regularly, and hide them when not in use.
- Stash away pet toys, crates, carriers, and leashes.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery and wood floors.
- Keep litter boxes clean and out of sight, and remove signs of doggy potty pads.
- Open windows to let in fresh air.
- Neutralize odors with fresh-smelling candles and air sanitizers.
- Hire professionals to remove unsightly pet stains.
- Board or crate animals during open houses.
- Repair any visible signs of pet damage, such as scratched walls or floors.
While many buyers have pets of their own, minimizing "the pet effect" in a home for sale is key in a competitive market.
Note: Teri Danahey is an Accredited Home Stager (ASP) – Realtor. As an ASP, she is able to consult at no charge with sellers on the most desirable presentation of their home for marketing purposes.
