Consider this: Your property is now on the market for sale, and prospective buyers call to book showings. You are excited, and eagerly await the viewings. But, take a moment and look down. Is your dog as happy about having someone in his home as you are?

Who Is That Kitty Cat In The Window?

Recently, my East York neighbours went to a rescue centre, and saved two darling, jet-black kittens. They are brothers, and are extremely warm and friendly. But, this is always not necessarily so with every animal. All pets have their own personality; one that may clash with prospective buyers as they view your home for sale.

Animal Personalities:     

Dogs can be extremely territorial, and may not like people viewing the home. As a result they may bark or snarl at those who enter. This will put people off, and make them feel uneasy in your home. Ultimately, they will leave without having a good look around and discount your home from their 'buy' list. A sale can be lost. I know from personal experience how this can be very disturbing. Once, I was meeting my buyer clients at a home we had planned to view. I arrived early - as I generally do - to open up the home, and turn on all the lights for them. Upon opening the front door, I immediately heard massive growling coming from somewhere deep in the dark. I did not know the owner had a dog, and it sounded big. I felt very uncomfortably, so I slowly eased back outside. I called the listing company so that they could contact the owner, who eventually came and removed the dog for my showing. This situation could have been made worse if my clients, and I, were already going through the house, before accidentally stumbled upon the dog. It may be a friendly one to its owner, but obviously strangers were not welcome on its own turf. Needless to say, my clients did not purchase this home. It didn't feel right. The mood was lost.

When listing your home or condominium for sale always alert the salesperson that a dog is in the home, and what will become of that dog during showings. Will it be put in a cage? Will it be out in the yard? Or, maybe with a neighbour? Will you board the animal for a bit to allow plenty of potential clients through? I know I'm singling out dogs here, but this could apply to any animal you have in the home. I have seen cats get extremely irritated, with buyers travelling throughout the home. Remember, it's their home, not yours.

People Personalities:     

As mentioned, animals have personalities, but so do human beings, and not all like animals. A dog may bark (in an excited way) or try to 'sniff' buyers as they wander throughout the home. Unfortunately, dogs tend to sniff people at crotch level. This can be jarring, and unsettling for some. Also, if a prospective buyer is trying to get a sense of the home, it will be difficult to concentrate if there is a barking dog following them around the whole time. And, let us not forget our feline friends. A cat may look friendly, and probably is, but it may give a slight 'hiss' as buyers approach. Or, the animal might want to play, and accidentally scratch someone, who may have gotten a bit too close. I have taken many clients through homes, and have seen their nervousness in simply knowing there is an animal - any animal - in the house. And, even though I personally love animals, I'll admit I've been nervous as well on occasion. It is always best to play it safe, and remove all pets during any showings of your property. The tank of fish can stay!!

Odours:     

Naturally, associated with any animal is their own body odour, especially if they have gotten wet, either from snow or rain. Upon entering your home prospective buyers will immediately notice these odours, and form a 'negative' about the property. You may have had the home staged, and tidied up, yet the odours remain. If the smells are really potent (maybe you own more than one animal or a large cat box is in the basement) then a good cleaning of the home - especially carpets - should be performed. As well, the animals should then be boarded until the home is sold. It's a difficult thing to do as they are your friends and companions (my Sheltie was with me for 19 years; my cat for almost 25!) but necessary to facilitate the sale of your home at a good price. Remember, your home is but one of many in a crowded marketplace, so any perceived negative will make buyers look at other potential properties. I once showed a property that was home to more than thirty cats! The smell was atrocious, and anyone going through the property needed to wear a mask.

Odours can be front and centre, but fleas, ticks and bugs are a major concern as well. If your pets are let outside a lot, then odds are they are bringing back something unwanted into your home on their skin. It doesn't bode well for buyers to see an animal off in one corner of the house incessantly scratching itself. Fleas and ticks will jump onto a human host to draw blood. They are not particular. Make sure this is not the case in your property for sale.  

So, when you put your property onto the market, it is wise to address any pet issues. I know they will look at you with those sad eyes, but the point here is that you want your home sold fast, and for an excellent price. The sooner it is sold, the sooner you can be reunited!