
6 Tips for Selling Your Home With Pets
Selling your home with pets can be a bit of a balancing act. While your furry friends are part of the family, they can sometimes pose challenges when it comes to showcasing your property to potential buyers.
Selling your home with pets can be a bit of a balancing act. While your furry friends are part of the family, they can sometimes pose challenges when it comes to showcasing your property to potential buyers. From pet hair to lingering odours, these factors might put off certain viewers. But fear not! With a few thoughtful tweaks, you can ensure your property appeals to everyone, even those who aren’t pet lovers.
Here are six practical tips to help you sell your home smoothly, even with pets around.
1. Deep Clean and Remove Pet Odours
First impressions matter, and no viewer wants to walk into a home that smells like a kennel or a litter tray. Start with a deep clean of your property, focusing on carpets, curtains, and upholstery where pet odours tend to linger. If you’ve been nose-blind to these smells, ask a friend for their honest opinion or hire a professional cleaner. Consider using an air purifier to keep the air fresh and inviting during viewings.
Pro Tip: A bowl of white vinegar left out overnight can absorb odours naturally, leaving your home smelling neutral and fresh.
2. Tidy Up Pet Areas
Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home, and a cluttered pet area might make it harder for them to do so.
Keep pet beds, toys, and food bowls out of sight during viewings. If you have a litter tray, ensure it is clean and placed in an inconspicuous spot.
A simple way to handle this is to pack pet items into a box and store them in your car, cupboard or shed while buyers are visiting. The less evidence of pets, the better.
3. Repair Pet Damage
Pets, as lovable as they are, can sometimes leave their mark on your property. Whether it’s scratched doors, chewed skirting boards, or stained carpets, these signs of wear and tear can deter potential buyers. Take the time to repair any visible damage. A fresh coat of paint, new carpet, or a quick fix to any chewed furniture can go a long way in improving your home’s appeal.
If you’re unsure where to start, Love Homes your local estate agent in Bedfordshire can advise on which repairs will make the biggest impact.
4. Consider Relocating Your Pets During Viewings
Not everyone is a fan of pets, and some buyers may have allergies or fears. To avoid any uncomfortable situations, it’s best to relocate your pets during viewings. This could mean leaving them with a friend or family member or taking them out for a walk while the viewing takes place.
If relocating isn’t possible, ensure pets are confined to one room and inform the estate agent ahead of time so they can plan the viewing accordingly. A calm and well-behaved pet is less likely to distract buyers.
5. Spruce Up Your Garden
If you have a dog that’s turned your garden into their personal playground, it’s worth sprucing it up before listing your property. Fill in any holes, clean up after your pet, and reseed any patchy areas of grass. Buyers looking at property for sale in Bedfordshire will appreciate an outdoor space that looks well-maintained and ready to enjoy.
For added charm, consider adding some potted plants or garden furniture to show off your outdoor area’s potential. A tidy and inviting garden can be a real selling point, especially for buyers with young families.
6. Use Professional Photography Wisely
While a cute photo of your pet lounging in the living room might melt hearts on Instagram, pet paraphernalia is not best for your property listing. Professional photography should highlight your home’s features, not your pets! Make sure all signs of your furry friends are removed before photos are taken.
That said, if you’re marketing your home as pet-friendly, your local estate agent in Bedfordshire might suggest subtle touches to appeal to other pet owners. A well-placed dog bed or cat tree can sometimes be a positive addition.
What Next?
Selling your home with pets doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right preparation and guidance, you can achieve the best possible result. For expert advice on selling a property in Bedfordshire, contact Love Homes on 01525 713111 or email us at hello@lovehomes.uk. We’re here to help you and your pets make a smooth move.