What is the best thing to do with our furry friends when people are coming over to buy your home? 57% of all American’s own a cat or a dog so the pet question comes up often. There are a few options that we will discuss here. Let me start by saying that I’m focusing on dogs and cats because that’s what most people have. I have been in houses where people have exotic pets like snakes and the only advice I can give to you is to contact your local psychiatrist because you’re crazy!!!! Why people like reptiles, spiders and other creepy animals as pets I don’t know, but they give me the heebie-jeebies!
So what do you do with the dog? The best answer is to take him with you if possible. Take the dog for a ride while the home is being shown. There is nothing worse than a poor pup in a cage in the corner barking and crying when strange people are walking around “his” house. Rarely you will come into a home where the dog is loose because he is friendly. I can’t stress this enough that is a terrible situation. First of all the people who come into the home may not share the same love for your dog as you. Secondly you’re asking for trouble. Could you imagine if your nice sweet dog was scared and bit someone? What if it was a small child? I am strongly against leaving a dog alone with strangers. So if possible take him with you and if that isn’t an option stick him at the neighbors or in the neighbors back yard. You don’t want to put him in your backyard because you want the clients to have free access to the property.
What about cats? You don’t usually have to worry about a cat biting someone, but if possible you should remove them from home, as well. Stick fluffy in a secure pet carrier and throw her in the van while your drive around. Why is that so important? To be completely honest a lot of people aren’t “cat” people. I happen to love all pets, but some people really dislike pets in particularly cats. I can’t tell you how many times I have walked into a house, and the first thing the buyer says is “they have cats.” It starts the showing out on a bad note and sometimes you can’t recover. If you have to leave a cat at the house, make sure you let the Realtor know, that way a door isn’t left open and fluffy heads out for a stroll unbeknownst to the agent.
In closing, take the pets with you if possible. Make sure people are aware if pets are in the house. And last but not least if you're looking to sell a home…..buy a home…...invest in real estate…..or start a career in real estate contact me today.
Chris Taylor
Keller Williams
586-524-1095
Chris.taylor@kw.com
