Debbie Leber, Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS®
Pet power is rising. Approximately 56% of U.S. households own a pet and 83% of these pet owners consider their pet to be a member of the family. Those numbers are probably even higher depending on where you live. While dogs make up 40% of pet ownership, cats come in second with 25% and birds and fish are also popular.
Traditionally, the process of buying and selling your home has not shown much love for pets. The conventional wisdom was sellers should conceal all traces of their pets—the toys, bowls, beds, even the animals themselves—when prepping a home for sale. But things are changing as pets are becoming a plus in the marketing of homes.
Pet Appeal for Buyers
More and more, buyers are looking for homes that also meet the needs of their pets. In fact, younger buyers are becoming more likely to keep the interests of their pets at the forefront of their buying decisions.
What this means for sellers is that they can work to leverage their home’s pet appeal. The most important feature for buyers in terms of their animals’ living situation is a fenced yard, followed by enough space in the home for the household and the pet, and flooring types that won’t scratch, stain, or show pet wear and tear.
It also means that you don’t have to be as vigilant about removing all of your pet’s items when selling your home.
“I think the days of hiding that your pets exist are over,” says Megan Rosendale, president of Maryland’s Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS®. “You may not want your energetic Labrador running to the door to greet a home buyer, but quite honestly, a home that is pet-friendly is an advantage for a house nowadays.”
Pets During Showings
How to handle the pet during showings is something to consider. There are still some home buyers who take a negative view on pets, especially if they have allergies. Your pet may be a member of the household, but just as you want the kids’ laundry off the floor during a showing, you will need to put away the kitty litter box and the pet toys and beds.
Pets can also leave a scent that can be negative to a buyer. You may want to address this with a thorough cleaning before the home hits the market, followed by vacuuming before showings and using candles or plug-ins. This will keep pet scents from becoming a negative for the potential buyer.
It is also less stressful for both your REALTOR® and the buyer if the pets can be out of the house during the showing. Not having to worry about if the cat or dog gets out, biting, or barking, makes the home showing go smoother and helps make sure your buyer has a positive impression of your home. If that’s not possible, keep your pet in a crate outside of the main living area of the home when potential buyers will be present.
Finally, remember to be patient with your pet during this time. A home sale can be disruptive to their established schedules, so remember to show them affection, take them for extra walks or reward them with their favorite treats.
Moving with Your Pet
If you are successful with your home search, you will need to manage the process of moving your pet and getting them familiar with your new home. The ASPCA has developed a list of pointers to keep your home safe and secure in this time of change. You can read more here: Moving With Your Pet | ASPCA
By following these tips, you can ensure your home sale will be a successful one for all members of your family, human and pet alike.
