There are many exciting things you can do when you own a home, such as diversifying your investment portfolio and doing whatever home renovations you want. Another huge bonus? Getting to bring home a pet.
Often when renting, pets are not allowed at all, the kind of pets allowed are limited, or renters are charged extra fees per pet on the property. All of these options aren't ideal for anyone who loves having a furry friend around. This is why owning a property, where you get to make the rules, is so exciting! When you own your home, you can have as many pets as your heart desires.
Scientific studies have proven time and time again that people with pets live longer and are generally happier. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, fish, or even a reptile, pets make life better. The one downside of having a pet in the house is when it comes time to sell your home. After all, pets make selling a home more complicated--but not to any extent that you should be worried.
If you have pets at home and are trying to sell, follow these tips to make your sale go successfully and keep your pet happy:
1). Pick Up The Poop! Thoroughly check your front and back lawn for any pet droppings. Potential buyers do not want to step in poop, and most won't automatically be looking out for it. This is especially important on hot summer days; that poop will stink and so will your house.
2). Speaking of smells... Febreeze! Pets have an odor. Even the cutest little munchkin is going to exude a certain scent, which may not be pleasant to potential buyers. Wash all of your chair and couch covers, drapes, rugs, carpets, etc.. Remove all odors possible from your pets and yourself, and then fill up the space with fresh air and a nice scent, like lavender or mint.
3). Clean, Clean, Clean! There is nothing more disgusting to a stranger than walking into a home and seeing a couch covered in unidentifiable hair, stepping in something gritty on the hardwood floors, or seeing stains of any kind on the carpets. Vacuum and sweep up all pet hair, dirt, lint, etc.. It's going to take some elbow grease, but it must be done.
4). Hide all Pet Paraphernalia - Including Your Pet! Listen, we get it. You love your pet. You think it's perfect. No one could ever not immediately fall in love with your sweet baby. However, when your real estate agent alerts you that there will be a showing of your home, it is time to hide everything. Put away the litter box, gather the toys into a chest, put their drinking and food dishes under the sink. Take your pet out of the house if possible, or at least keep them somewhere non-intrusive. It sounds extreme, but trust us on this one.
Good luck!
(Photo via Canva)
Posted by Ken Richter on
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