Does Your Pet Help Or Hinder Your Home Sale?

The real estate world is evolving, and with it, the marketing tactics accompanying it. Gone are the days when homes were presented as sterile, pet-free zones to cater to the masses. Instead, we're witnessing a growing trend where pet-friendly homes are starring in property listings, attracting a new wave of buyers seeking pet-friendly homes. In this article, we'll explore how you can leverage your furry friends to enhance your home's appeal and ensure a smooth sale, all while keeping pet cleanup in mind.

Key Takeaways

The Power of Pet Appeal

This trend began with an adorable corgi named Chompers, who took center stage in a promotional video for a San Francisco home in 2015. Shortly after, Tiffany, a charming Shih Tzu mix, joined the scene, beginning a delightful trend. In today's real estate landscape, you can even explore the Pet Realty Network, a platform devoted to assisting pet lovers in finding experienced real estate agents who understand the essence of pet-friendly homes. The shift in the real estate market towards embracing pets in property listings has been driven by a dual force.

First and foremost, there's an undeniable surge in passionate animal enthusiasts. Recent statistics reveal that pet ownership has increased over the past three decades. In 1988, only 56% of U.S. households owned a pet, but as of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own one. This surge in pet ownership has turned many residences into what we fondly call "pet-friendly homes."

Secondly, the undeniable charm of furry companions has proven to be a powerful marketing tool. Heartwarming pet compilations accumulate thousands of daily views, demonstrating the widespread popularity of pet-related content. In real estate, featuring your pet in property listings can contribute to the growing demand for pet-friendly homes and neighborhoods. With many households now including pets alongside children, it's clear that our furry companions are an integral part of family life.

Leveraging Your Pet for Home Sales

When you decide to leverage your pet for selling your home, it's crucial to strike a balance. You want to create a pet-friendly atmosphere in pet-friendly homes without overdoing it. Here's how you can achieve that balance:

Entryway: Welcome with a Hint of Pet-Friendly Charm

The entryway is often the first impression for potential buyers when entering pet-friendly homes. To captivate pet-loving home seekers immediately, create a tasteful hint of a pet-friendly space by displaying a hung leash. Remember, the keyword here is "attractive."

Kitchen: The Heart of the Home, Both Human and Pet

The kitchen is a crucial selling point for many pet-friendly homes. Discover an adorable treat container to place on the counter, enhancing the pet-friendly ambiance. Consider upgrading your pet's water bowl to a sparkling new one that complements the kitchen decor in your home. A clean water bowl sets the perfect scene.

Living Room: Framed Pet Photos to Set the Tone

While framed family photos are a no-no in real estate, leaving framed dog and cat photos in your home is acceptable. This approach has become popular in listings of pet-friendly homes and implies a space for all types of families.

Bedroom: Create a Cozy Spot for Both You and Your Pet

In the bedroom of your home, you can enhance the appeal by adding a faux sheepskin throw rug. It's a romantic element and a cozy spot for your pet to curl up in your home. Alternatively, place a new, clean, stylish pet bed at the foot of your bed. High-quality pet beds can be chic additions to pet-friendly homes.

Backyard: Impress with Freshness and a Spotless Space

For the backyard of your pet-friendly home, consider repainting the doghouse with a fresh coat of paint. Ensure you opt for lighter colors, as dark hues tend to absorb additional sunlight and heat. But the most vital tip here is to ensure the backyard of your pet-friendly home is immaculate. Ensure there's no visible pet waste; you want your pet-friendly home listing to leave a positive, lasting impression.

Preparing Your Pet-Friendly Home with Effective Pet Cleanup

Here's a list of pet cleanup tips to ensure that pet-friendly homes remain fresh and appealing to potential buyers:

Pet's Well-Groomed Look

Ensure your pets are well-groomed to reduce shedding and dander, minimizing the need for extensive cleaning and creating a cleaner home environment for potential buyers.

Advanced Cleaning Tools

Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a pet-specific attachment designed to facilitate cleaning by removing pet hair from carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Sweeping hard floors to catch loose fur makes pet cleanup more manageable.

Fresh Pet Bedding

Keep your pet's bedding, blankets, and toys clean by laundering them frequently. This approach to pet cleanup ensures a pleasant and odor-free environment for showcasing your home to prospective buyers.

Litter Box Maintenance

If you have cats, make it a daily practice to scoop the litter boxes and replace them as needed. Keeping the area around the litter box clean is essential for effective cleaning and maintaining an odor-free space for potential buyers.

Swift Stain and Odor Remediation

Address any pet accidents by engaging in pet cleanup that involves cleaning and deodorizing the affected area. To ensure thorough cleaning and complete odor elimination, rely on pet-specific stain and odor removers.

Clean Feeding Stations

Engage in pet cleanup by cleaning your pet's food and water bowls to prevent lingering odors and bacterial growth, ensuring a clean dining space for your furry friends and prospective buyers.

Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters

Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters, which streamline pet cleanup efforts by capturing pet-related allergens and odors from the air, ensuring a fresh indoor environment for potential buyers.

Professional Cleaning Services

Before listing your pet-friendly home for sale, ensure thorough pet cleanup by hiring professional carpet and upholstery cleaners. These experts can remove deep-embedded pet odors and stains, creating a pristine environment for potential buyers.

Litter Box Odor Control

If you have indoor cats, streamline pet cleanup using odor-absorbing litter or placing air fresheners nearby. This contributes to a pleasant atmosphere for potential buyers and ensures a successful showcasing of your home.

Backyard Cleanup

Maintaining a clean outdoor area with efficient pet cleanup practices ensures your backyard is waste-free. Regularly pick up after your dog to prevent any odors, thus promoting a clean and inviting outdoor space for potential buyers.

Restrict Pet Access for a Distraction-Free Showcase

During showings, limit your pet's access to specific areas of pet-friendly homes, thus minimizing potential disruptions and making the showcasing process smoother for you and potential buyers while simplifying pet cleanup.

Conclusion

Pets have found their place in real estate and can be valuable assets when selling your pet-friendly home. By showcasing your pet in your property listing, you can attract buyers looking for pet-friendly homes. Remember to strike the right balance and prioritize cleanliness throughout the selling process of your pet-friendly home. With the right approach, you can leverage your furry friends to enhance your pet-friendly home's appeal and ensure a successful sale.

So, if you plan to sell your pet-friendly home, embrace the trend and let your furry friend take the spotlight. Pet-friendly homes are in demand, and your beloved companion could be the key to finding the perfect buyer. Happy Selling!

FAQs

1. Should I disclose any past pet-related damages or repairs?

If your home has had past pet-related damages or repairs, disclosing this information to potential buyers is recommended. Honesty can build trust and prevent future disputes.

2. What should I highlight in my pet-friendly home to appeal to buyers with exotic pets?

You should emphasize features and spaces in your home that cater to exotic pets. Mention any dedicated enclosure areas, pet-friendly landscaping, safety measures, and customization potential.

3. Should I allow prospective buyers to bring their pets to home showings?

Allowing pets may broaden your pool of potential buyers, make them more comfortable, and show that you understand their needs. However, it could deter buyers with allergies or phobias and present liability concerns.