I showed a very nice, very expensive home earlier this week in which the dog had peed all over the welcome mat! My buyers love the house and had me write up an offer but then had me tear it up. What if they couldn’t get rid of the smell? Pets are unpredictable and I’m betting that this pooch was just stressed by all the sudden interest in the place he calls home. And then I was at a meeting with other Realtors yesterday when one agent announced that she is allergic to cats and she flat out will not show a home if the owners have a cat. It’s a challenging market and pets make it even more challenging. So I decided to put together a few pointers about selling a home with pets.
First and foremost, please spend special attention cleaning up after your pets. Nothing spoils the mood of finding a really nice house than having to clean off the bottom of your shoe. Believe me. I’ve seen it happen. Also, pay attention to your landscaping. If your dog’s urine is killing the grass, consider taking it for walks or moving the tie-up spot. And if you have an inside litter box, keep it clean and fresh.
Be aware of pet odors. Cat urine is the worst. Bring in a neighbor to do a whiff test. Do not use air fresheners or scented candles. People with allergies will react and others will be suspicious. Try enzyme cleaners such as Simple Solution, Nature's Miracle or call a professional ozone company. Arm & Hammer has information on a dry bath on their web site.
If your house is being shown, put food and water bowls away. Stash the play toys. If possible, remove cages, carriers and other tell-tale signs. If you have enough warming time, treat rugs and furniture with a carpet deodorizer.Vacuum and vacuum again.
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....on the other hand, my dear, we were the buyers when we walked into the sun room, the tell-tale odor of dog pee was there. Ouch!! After three years of rejecting houses for sale, we fell in love with this one and, with odor-trepidation, bought it. I had to rip up the flooring, underflooring and treat the wood with many many many coats of enzyme treatments such as you mentioned. The last of the smell finally disappeared a few years later.Good luck.If we had it to do all again, we'd do it all again. That was nearly 30 years ago and we are now preparing the house for sale again- with no odors. Did I mention that we negotiated the price down 3.5%?
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