If you’re like many people, you need to know what to do with your dog during a house showing. Fortunately, this guide explains.
What to Do With Your Dog During a House Showing (and Other Answers Related to Selling With Pets)
Your REALTOR® will tell you that you should leave your home for showings – and that goes for your four-legged family members, too. You should always take your dog with you when you leave. If you can’t, consider asking a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your dog while there are strangers in your home. Avoid leaving your dog in the backyard, the garage or a spare room if at all possible. There are several reasons for this, including:
- Some people are afraid of dogs (even small ones).
- Some people are allergic to dogs.
- Some people don’t like dogs.
- People don’t want to think about a pet living in the home they’re going to buy.
- Seeing your dog may make people wonder if your pet has done any damage to the home – particularly if they view pets as an inconvenience or don’t care for them in general.
- People will avoid going into a room where there’s a pet locked away (or the backyard), but you need them to explore every inch of your home so they can make the right choice about buying it.
- Your dog could get scared and run out the front door and escape – especially if people who aren’t familiar with pets are touring your house.
There are many other reasons, too, but these are the most common concerns.
Related: 5 pet safety tips for your move to DC Ranch
What Should You Do With Your Dog’s “Stuff” During a House Showing?
Remove all your dog’s items when someone is coming to see your home. That includes food and water bowls, dog beds, toys and other accessories. Again, buyers don’t want to think about a pet living in your home – they want to envision themselves living in it, and seeing things that remind them of you and your family isn’t a good way to spark their imaginations.
How to Clean the House for Showings When You Have Pets
When you have pets, it’s important that you pay special attention to cleaning before showings. You should have the floors and upholstery professionally cleaned, and you’ll have to stay on top of things while your house is on the market. Walls, baseboards, draperies and furniture need weekly (at least) cleanings. Bathing or grooming your dog regularly can help you keep your house clean, too.
Other things to remember:
- Clean up your dog’s backyard messes daily. You don’t want someone touring your home, exploring the yard and stepping in something – or worse, tracking a dog’s business into your home.
- Take your dog with you when you leave for showings (we really can’t say this enough).
- Invite a friend you trust to your home. Have your friend check to see if he or she notices fur, a pet smell, pet clutter or anything else that prospective buyers might notice.
- Repair any pet damage in your home before you even put the house on the market. Scratched areas, soils on carpet and greasy spots on the walls that your pet leans up against all need to be repaired immediately. The good news: You can probably hire a general contractor to tackle these types of fixes.
Related: Tips to keep your DC Ranch pets safe and healthy
Are You Selling a Home in DC Ranch?
Thinking about selling your home in DC Ranch? Call us at 480-360-0281 to find out how we’ll market it to all the right buyers. If you’re also looking for a new home, we’d love show you any listing in the community. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to search for something that’s a perfect match for your needs.
While you’re here, check out our:
- Country Club Village homes for sale
- Desert Camp Village homes for sale
- Desert Parks Village homes for sale
- Silverleaf Village homes for sale
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
866-613-8356
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
