If You Have Pets, Make Sure They're Not Keeping Your Houston Home From Selling.

                                                                  


My wife and I love our two furry family members! They bring such love, joy and amusement to our home.  When people ask how many kids we have we say four... two with fur and two human! However, as a Houston Realtor that's showing property day in and day out, I can honestly tell you that with all that love also comes some issues for Houston home sellers. If you have pets, make sure they're not keeping your Houston home from selling.

Having a home in Houston (or anywhere else) with animals brings up a a series of issues that a homeowner must address carefully if they want to sell quickly and for the most money possible. Remember this, we grow used to the scent of our pets, but a home buyer will not only notice it quickly but be turned off by it as well and you want to do all you can to avoid this!!! 

With this being said, take a look at a few tips to help you take care of this potential problem easily and get your Houston home in top seller shape!

1. If it smells, it won't sell. Your pet may have the perfect manners, but that doesn't mean your home is odor-free.  Ask a friend to take the "sniff" test... but don't get offended if you don't pass. Most pet odor comes from fur and dander. Pets mark their territory by rubbing their fur on objects carpet and even your ankles and legs. Minimize pet odors by not allowing your pets to sleep on couches and carpets. Provide them with a cuddly bed of their own and reward them lavishly whenever they use it. Deodorize often, there are many products available for this at most grocery store shelves and definitely pet stores. Keep pets bathed and groomed more often than usual, so as not to add to existing pet odor.

2. Stains don't have to be permanent. There are many good products to clean pet stains. Just visit your local pet store. Pet stores sell many different great products which work beautifully. Hospital supply companies are also a great source for heavy duty stain and odor control products.

3. Vacuum daily. While your home is being marketed, vacuum the carpets daily with an odor deodorizer. You can find them in the cleaning supplies section of the grocery store. Remember to change bags more frequently than usual. Treat your home to a professional carpet cleaning. Also, open the windows and let some fresh air in. Pull back the drapes. Open vents. A closed in home will hold more odor than it should.

4.Keep pets from showings. Many buyers are suggestible. If they don't see a pet, they'll look at the home more objectively. If they spot your dog or cat, they will be alerted to look for stains and odors. Arrange to have your pet off the property for showings, and put their food dishes and toys out of sight, too. Keep cat boxes and backyard doggie loos scooped daily. If you have to board your pet to it from doing further damage or soiling new replacement fixtures, do so. You will be rewarded with a higher selling price for your home. When you are in your new home, you can welcome your pet back from its "holiday" with a favorite treat and lots of snuggles.

5.Stains and odors may have to be disclosed. In many states, stains and odors that can't be removed must be disclosed to the buyer or you may be held liable. That will automatically put you in a poor bargaining position with the buyer. If you aren't sure what the extent of your pet's damage is, you can purchase, rent or borrow a hand-held black light to shine on carpets and other fixtures. Some carpet cleaning kits include a black light for this purpose. Viewing your carpet this way will help you decide whether to clean or replace the carpet. Your agent will most likely advise you to replace the carpet. It will cost you much less money than a buyer's discount.

6. Perception is everything. If your home doesn't pass the sniff or stain test, it will adversely affect the way other agents and their buyers perceive your home. Your agent is depending upon other Realtors to show your home to their buyers. Many Realtors insist on showing only pristine homes to their clients. Once word gets around, you may find yourself with few showings which will cause the value of your home to drop.

7. Be realistic about your home's value. A home is only really worth what a buyer is willing to pay. If your home has suffered damage due to your pets, it may be devalued in the marketplace. The only cure is taking action to eliminate the problem before your home goes on the market. Listen to your Realtor and follow his/her advice about the most cost-effective ways to manage your pet's damage to the home. She or he will have suggestions and solutions that will put you right back on the marketing track.

For more information please visit us at www.DavidTheLocator.com! We are here to assist you with all of your relocation needs!