Selling Your Home With A Pet
Many people find selling their home to be a challenging prospect, with a lot of work involved with the process. In the current climate, there is even more work for a vendor to undertake, and there is a lot to be said for receiving expert advice. At Harpers, we are pleased to say we have assisted many vendors overcome challenges, including selling your home with a pet.
If you have a pet at home, there is a strong chance you view it as one of the family. Pet owners adore their pet, and usually make changes to their home and lifestyle to create a better environment for the pet. This brings people a lot of joy and happiness, but it is fair to say this doesn’t always make a home more appealing to prospective buyers.
If you own a pet, you must accept that this creates additional challenges in connecting with likely buyers. However, by accentuating some of the positive features, and minimising the problems, you can sell your house with a pet.
Boost the positive nature of the property regarding pet ownership
Some pet owners decide it is best to focus on the pet-friendly quality of the home and local area. If the prospective buyer has a pet of their own, stating why your home and the surrounding areas is pet-friendly helps you to make a connection.
You don’t need to start with this approach, but a few well-placed photographs of you and your pet will make all the difference. If a prospective buyer sees the photographs and starts asking questions about your pet, you can engage them in conversation. If they own a pet, or say they would like to own a pet once they move home, you have a fantastic starting point to discuss the pet-friendly nature of the property.
People aren’t solely interested in the house; they want to know there are features and facilities that make life easier for them. If you own a dog and there are great walking routes in the local area, share this information. If you regularly buy from a local pet shop, pass this information on. If you help a prospective buyer feel as though they can settle in the area, you enhance the chances of them making an offer on your property.
Minimise the damage caused by pets around the home
As a pet owner, you might take for granted some of the damage caused by your beloved animal. Over time, pet owners stop seeing bite marks, scuffs and even stains, but a prospective buyer will recognise these problems.
You need to view your property with a fresh pair of eyes and if you are unable to do so, get help from someone who will. Spotting these issues and removing them from your property will enhance your chances of selling your home.
Don’t forget about nasty smells and odours
Right now, if you are only offering virtual viewings, focus your attention on ensuring your home looks fantastic. However, when you offer physical viewings, you need to ensure all the senses are taken care of. Some pet owners no longer pick up on smells and odours around the home, but you can guarantee a prospective buyer will recognise these problems straight away.
We know this is a challenging time, and for many households, the thought of buying or selling property is far from their mind. However, we also know many people are keen to keep themselves entertained, and some people may have property market issues. If we can be of any use to you, please contact Harpers Estates, and we will be more than happy to assist you.
