Selling a Home With Pets? This is a MUST Read

Selling a Home With Pets (Without Letting Them Cost You Money)

By Peter Hunt | WHY STRESS?

Let’s get this out of the way first: pets are family.
But when you’re selling your home, buyers don’t want to meet your dog, admire your cat, or smell where either of them used to hang out.

Even buyers who love animals can be surprisingly sensitive to pet hair and odors. And when that happens, the home quietly loses appeal — and sometimes value — before you ever hear a word about it.

The good news? This is fixable.

Step one: call in the pros.
This is not the time for a quick vacuum and crossed fingers. A professional deep cleaning — especially one that knows how to deal with pet hair and dander — is worth every penny. Baseboards, vents, door frames, and the spots behind furniture matter more than you think.

Let’s talk floors — honestly.
Carpet is basically a long-term memory device for pet smells. Professional steam cleaning with enzyme treatments is a must. If the smell lingers, replacement might be the smarter move. Buyers will notice… even if they don’t say it out loud.
Hard floors aren’t off the hook either. Corners and baseboards are prime “pet zone” real estate.

Soft stuff holds secrets.
Area rugs, curtains, slipcovers, pet beds — they all trap hair and smells. Washing them or temporarily removing them can instantly make a home feel fresher and more open.

Masking smells doesn’t fool anyone.
If a buyer walks in and smells a candle strong enough to qualify as a fire hazard, they assume you’re hiding something. Instead, use enzyme odor neutralizers, replace HVAC filters, clean vents, and let fresh air do its thing.

For showings, your pets need a day out.
As much as we love them, pets shouldn’t be home during showings or open houses. That means litter boxes, food bowls, toys, and crates should disappear too. Buyers need to picture their life there — not yours and Mr. Whiskers’.

Don’t forget the “favorite spots.”
Litter box areas, dog doors, entryways, basements, and corners deserve extra attention. These are the places buyers notice when something feels “off.”

Bottom line:
Pets are part of your family — but they can’t be part of the sale.

A clean, neutral-smelling home shows better, feels better, and sells for more. And that’s one less thing to stress about.