Selling a home can be a challenging process, but when you have pets, it comes with its own unique set of considerations. While pets are a joy to have, they can sometimes make staging a home more difficult. Pet-related odors, fur, and signs of wear on furniture can all be a turnoff for potential buyers. However, with a bit of strategy and some thoughtful adjustments, you can still effectively stage your home while keeping your beloved pets comfortable and safe.
In this guide, we'll discuss how to stage your home when you have pets, focusing on both the challenges and the practical solutions. From eliminating pet odors to minimizing the visual evidence of your pets, we'll cover everything you need to do to ensure your home is presented in the best possible light, with a focus on creating a pet-free environment that still feels welcoming and comfortable.
Understand the Importance of a Pet-Free Home During Showings
When buyers walk into a home, they want to envision themselves living there. Pets, while beloved members of your family, can sometimes interfere with that vision. Not all buyers are pet owners, and some may have allergies or a fear of animals. Even for buyers who do have pets, they may be turned off by the presence of a current pet in the home, especially if there are signs of damage or odors that haven't been properly addressed.
Therefore, it's important to temporarily minimize the visibility of your pets and their belongings during the home-selling process. This doesn't mean you have to remove your pets from your life entirely---just that for the sake of selling your home, you'll need to create a neutral space that appeals to a broad range of potential buyers.
Start by Eliminating Pet Odors
One of the biggest challenges when staging a home with pets is dealing with odors. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can leave behind smells that linger on furniture, carpets, and even walls. These odors can be very off-putting to buyers and may cause them to question the cleanliness of your home.
Here are a few key ways to eliminate pet odors:
Deep Clean Your Home
Start by thoroughly cleaning every part of your home. This means vacuuming all floors, cleaning carpets, washing pet bedding, and ensuring all surfaces are free from fur, food particles, or any traces of pet messes. You may even want to hire a professional cleaning service if the odor is particularly strong or stubborn.
Replace Carpet or Rugs if Necessary
Carpets and rugs tend to absorb pet odors over time. If your carpets have been well-loved by your furry friends, you may want to consider replacing them, especially in high-traffic areas like the living room or hallways. A fresh carpet can make your home smell cleaner and more appealing to potential buyers.
Use Air Purifiers and Odor Neutralizers
Invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove allergens and odors from the air. You can also use odor-neutralizing sprays or plugins to freshen up the air. Be cautious with the types of air fresheners you use, though. Strong fragrances may mask pet odors but can also be overpowering and unpleasant to buyers.
Wash Fabrics and Upholstery
Pet hair and dander can build up on furniture, curtains, and other fabric items. Make sure to wash all washable fabrics, including slipcovers and pillows. For upholstered furniture, use a fabric cleaner or hire a professional upholstery cleaning service to remove any lingering smells and pet hair.
Keep Litter Boxes Clean
If you have cats, one of the most important tasks is to keep the litter box clean and odor-free. Make sure you clean the litter box daily and replace the litter regularly. During showings, it's best to remove the litter box from the home if possible, or place it in an area that is out of sight.
Remove Pet Items and Personalization
While your pets may be a huge part of your life, prospective buyers want to imagine the home as their own, and that means eliminating any signs of pet ownership. This doesn't mean you need to get rid of your pets' things entirely, but for the purpose of staging, you'll want to temporarily relocate their belongings.
Remove Pet Beds, Toys, and Bowls
Pet beds, toys, and food or water bowls are cute and functional in daily life, but they can distract buyers during a showing. Pack up all pet-related items, including chew toys, scratching posts, and bowls. You want to create an environment that looks tidy and neutral, where the focus is on the home itself, not on the pets that live there.
Take Down Pet Photos or Art
Just as you would remove personal family photos when staging your home, it's a good idea to remove any pet-related photos or artwork as well. A buyer needs to see themselves in the space, and pet-themed décor may give them the impression that your pets are more of a focal point than the home itself.
Clean Your Home and Hide Pet Evidence
Beyond odor, your home may have visible signs that pets live there---fur on the furniture, scratches on the doors, or claw marks on walls. These issues may not seem significant to you, but they can make a big difference in how a potential buyer perceives the home.
Remove Pet Hair
Pet hair can accumulate in corners, on furniture, and even on your clothing. Make sure to thoroughly vacuum all floors and upholstered surfaces to remove any pet hair. Lint rollers can be used to pick up stray hair from fabric, and microfiber cloths can help wipe down hard surfaces. If you have pets that shed heavily, consider using a professional cleaning service to get the best results.
Repair Any Damage
Pets can sometimes cause damage to furniture, doors, or even walls. Scratches on the hardwood floors or marks on walls are often signs of pets living in the home. Before listing your home, make any necessary repairs to address these issues. Sanding down scratches, repainting scuffed walls, and replacing damaged baseboards will help your home look fresh and well-maintained.
Check for Fleas or Other Critters
If you have pets, it's important to make sure there are no unwanted critters lurking in the home. Fleas, for example, can be a big turnoff to potential buyers. Have your home treated by a pest control professional before listing it to ensure your home is free of any unwanted guests.
Design Pet-Free Zones During Showings
Creating specific areas in your home where pets are allowed and other areas where they are not allowed can help maintain a clean and neutral atmosphere during showings.
Create Pet-Free Spaces
When staging your home, you may want to create designated pet-free zones. This means keeping pets out of certain rooms during showings, such as the living room or dining area, where potential buyers may be spending more time. You can keep your pets in another area of the home, such as the bedroom or an outdoor space, when buyers are viewing the house.
Inform Your Agent About Your Pets
It's important to inform your real estate agent about your pets, so they can plan showings accordingly. In some cases, your agent may recommend scheduling showings when you and your pets are out of the house. If that's not possible, be sure to give them clear instructions on where your pets will be during showings.
Highlight Pet-Friendly Features
While pets can be a challenge during the staging process, there's an opportunity to highlight pet-friendly features in your home that may appeal to certain buyers. If your home has a fenced yard, pet-safe flooring, or a pet-washing station, be sure to showcase these features.
Show Off the Yard
If your home has a spacious yard, be sure to highlight its potential as a great space for pets to play and roam. Make sure the yard is clean and well-maintained, and consider adding some pet-friendly features such as a doghouse or a pet-friendly garden. For city dwellers, proximity to parks and walking paths can be a major selling point for buyers with pets.
Showcase Pet-Friendly Flooring
If your home has pet-friendly flooring, such as tile, hardwood, or laminate, be sure to mention it to prospective buyers. These materials are durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for pet owners. If your home has carpeting, consider replacing it with more pet-friendly options or letting buyers know how easy it is to care for the flooring in your home.
Prepare Your Pets for the Staging Process
Lastly, it's important to think about your pets' comfort during the staging process. The transition of moving out, having strangers walk through your home, and the changes in their environment can be stressful for pets. It's essential to make sure they are safe and secure during the selling process.
Create a Safe Space for Your Pets
During showings, make sure your pets are in a quiet and safe area away from potential buyers. If possible, consider having them stay with a friend, family member, or even in a kennel while showings are taking place.
Keep Pets Secure and Out of Sight
If your pets will be at home during showings, be sure to keep them secure in a room that is out of sight from potential buyers. You don't want them to wander around during showings, as it can create distractions and might make potential buyers feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Staging a home with pets requires extra effort and attention to detail, but it's entirely possible to successfully navigate the process. By eliminating pet odors, hiding pet belongings, cleaning up pet-related messes, and creating a neutral environment, you can make your home more appealing to a broader range of buyers. Highlighting pet-friendly features and ensuring your pets are safe and comfortable during showings can also help make the process smoother. With these tips in mind, you can stage your home effectively and increase your chances of selling quickly and for a good price.