The Gold Coast is home to many pet lovers, but if you’re trying to sell your property, your four-legged friend could make your home seem less than attractive to potential buyers. When you put your house on the market you want it to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. So, we’ve put our thinking caps on at Real Estate Real Easy, and come up with a list of 5 home staging tips for pet owners.
1. Keep your pet (and their things!) out of sight
Potential purchasers say that they feel more comfortable viewing a house when the homeowner is not there. If you’re also a pet owner, why not take them with you? Some people may have positive reactions to having an animal around, but for others, allergies or perhaps fear, might leave them feeling uncomfortable. And that could be a disaster, a distraction when you want them to be focusing on your property. Similarly, put any bowls, beds and food supplies away. If a potential buyer doesn’t like pets, evidence of one may prevent them from seeing your property as their new home!
2. Remove all pet hair and potential allergy triggers
Now this one is a biggie. Even pet lovers don’t like to walk into a dirty house. Keep your home swept and vacuumed. It’s very off-putting for purchasers to see a home covered in cat or dog hair—and don’t forget to dust or vacuum your furniture too! Even though you may have become accustomed to a bit of hair lying around, potential buyers might find it difficult to look past the fur to see your house.
3. Eliminate animal odours
Whether it’s cat litter, dog bowls or hamster cages, animals all have a distinct smell and this probably isn’t what you want to show off when selling your home. Open all the doors and windows to air the house naturally, spray with air freshener and even light a scented candle to get rid of unpleasant smells.
4. Clean your yard
Many pet owners know what it’s like to go outside to find holes dug in the garden or animal waste around the yard. Take extra care to clean up and tidy your outdoor area. Here on the Gold Coast, the outdoor living space is almost as important as the interior of your house!
5. Get rid of scratches or stains
Perhaps your walls need a fresh coat of paint, the carpet needs to be cleaned or the couches need a decorative throw to cover marks made by your beloved pet. Where practical, try to conceal stains or scratches on furniture and repair any structural damage to the house itself before opening your home to potential buyers.
Armed with these simple strategies for pet owners, you’re all set to stage and sell your home, without having to worry about your pets affecting the outcome. If you’d like to discuss putting your home on the market contact us today. Book your free appraisals now or download our free guide to selling your home.
