Preparing Your Richmond VA Home for Sale While Owning Pets

Preparing Your Richmond VA Home for Sale While Owning Pets

These are my fur babies, Bella and Jake. I also have a cat named Buddy, but he doesn’t come around much…I usually find him curled up in a recliner or under the comforter! I am an animal lover and will always have a pet. They sleep in our bed, lay on our couch, and pretty much own the house. (My only complaint is they can’t help with the mortgage payment!) I trust them completely with our kids and our belongings. They are easy in every way. Well, almost.

Bella joined our family in 2006 and since then we have had to move several times due to corporate relocation. During each period our home was on the market, Bella and Buddy posed some obstacles that we had to overcome in order to showcase our house in the best possible light. It is hard for us pet lovers to imagine this, but not everyone likes, or tolerates, a furry friend. Below are some tips and advice that I can offer you in preparing your Richmond VA home for sale while owning pets:

·Inform your Richmond VA real estate agent. This is simple enough but is often overlooked. When you list your Richmond VA home for sale with your agent, make sure they are aware of how many and what kind of animals you have. This information is needed to make note of the pets in the MLS system. When a buyer agent is aware of a pet in the home, they can prepare their buyer before entering. In addition, it will serve as a reminder to use caution to not let your beloved pet outside when they open the door!

·Remove your pets for a showing. Easier said than done, I know. But, if it is at all possible, try and make arrangements for your animals to be elsewhere when you have a showing . If you work from home, take your furry friends with you for a car ride. If a family member or generous friend lives down the street, see if they would take them during showing periods. Consider doggy daycare as yet another option. (I can make recommendations for Richmond VA Pet Resorts.) This will allow potential buyers to look at your home without the distraction of a jumping dog or overly friendly cat.

·Can’t remove them? Contain them. If you absolutely can not remove your pets for a showing, it is important that you keep them contained to one section of the home. The laundry room, unfinished basement, or garage would work well. Make sure to post a sign (printed from the computer!) on the door as a warning to your potential buyer and their agent. Although they may be disappointed they can not access one of these rooms, it is better than them not looking at all because you have a barking dog guarding your front door! Just know that limited access can hinder offers.

·Keep their things tidy. Keep a litter box out of sight and be sure to clean it every day. Organize all of your dogs toys/bones and put them away in one spot. Keep their food areas neat and clean.  Don’t let a foul odor or untidy pet spaces be the reason a buyer walks back out the door. Febreeze is your friend!

By following a few simple steps, preparing your Richmond VA home for sale while owning pets will be a smooth process and they will be back to ruling to roost in no time!

Looking for a Richmond VA Realtor who understands your needs and your pets?! Contact me, Shannon Milligan with Keller Williams Realty Richmond West, today!