Sell Your House Where Pets Live

Selling your home can be a big part of your financial future. It can be a difficult challenge in any market, but what can make it even more challenging is if you have a pet. A lot of people have pets and love animals. That excludes the person who wants to buy your house. Unfortunately, many home buyers are turned off buy houses that pets are raised and a home seller has to be aware of what they may lose if they are caring for a dog or cat.

There are few reasons why home buyers dislike pets in the house they're looking to purchase. For some people, animals make them extremely uncomfortable and they are nervous. Nervous is not a feeling you want when somebody is there to look at your house. Some people are also afraid of dogs and cats. They might have had a traumatic experience when they were a child and gotten bit by a dog or they may be superstitious and don't like cats. Also, not everyone is receptive to pets. They are probably never around animals very often and they're also not their pets. People are used to their own pets, but it doesn't mean that they want somebody else's animal jumping or slobbering on them.

It may be difficult, but a good way to get your home sold when it's on the market is to relocate your pets. You only have to do this while it's on the market or during showings. You could also relocate them to a specific room, or put them in the garage or back yard, but if they're used to roaming the house, it's unfair to them. Ask a friend to see if they can watch over them temporarily or see if you can find a reasonably priced kennel. Just remember, it's only temporary!

If you'd rather keep your pet in your home, there are some steps you should take so potential home buyers aren't turned off. If you have litter boxes and dog bathroom pads, keep them out of plain sight and keep them clean. No home buyer wants to smell a stinky litter box. Also, have your carpet professionally cleaned if they have pet stains. Buyers will always notice a stain. If the stain cannot be removed, replace the floor the carpet altogether. Unfortunately, pets will almost bring a smell with them. If you have a cat, make sure your home doesn't smell of urine. Bring someone in who doesn't visit often to see if they can smell it. Also, neutralize your home, but don't use fresheners. Some people are allergic to it.

Although it may be necessary to disclose that a pet lives in your home, it doesn't necessarily mean it has to be obvious. Make sure you hide all dog and cat toys so they are out of site. If you have a pet door, seal it up. Also, when they're not being used, hide the food bowls. This will prevent any food from being spilled onto the floor. Just remember what you would think if you walked into a home and saw evidence of a pet with spilled food and hair everywhere. Nobody would want to purchase a home like that. Your pet knows you love them, but you need to take these steps to get the house sold.

SOURCE: About.com

http://homebuying.about.com/od/sellingahouse/qt/sellwithpets.htm