This week's Q&A column is sponsored and written by Hope Peele. peel group and McEnearney Associates Realtors®, a leading real estate company in Alexandria. For more information about this article and related Alexandria market news, contact The Peele Group at 703-244-6115 or email. [email protected]. You can also submit questions to McEarney Associates. on mail Ready for answers in future columns.
question: How can I make the home selling process with pets less stressful?
answer: Selling a home can be a daunting task, especially if you have a furry family member. Pets are beloved companions, but they can also pose challenges when presenting your home to potential buyers. Whether you have a dog, cat, or other furry friend, here are some tips to help you navigate the process of selling a home with a pet.
1. Deal with pet odor
Odors are often difficult to notice in our homes. It's always a good idea for pet owners to make sure their home smells fresh and inviting before putting it on the market. Thoroughly clean carpets, upholstery, and any areas where pet odors or dander may linger. Consider using a pet-specific cleaner or odor remover to effectively neutralize odors. This also helps reduce problems with potential buyers who may be allergic to animals. Our team recommends vinegar or charcoal-based deodorants for sellers.
2. Repair pet damage
Any pet owner knows that these little cuddly puppies can sometimes cause damage to your home, such as scratching the floors, chewing on the moldings, and tearing through the screen doors. Before you list your home, take the time to repair any pet-related damage to ensure your property is in tip-top condition.
3. Maintain your garden
A well-kept garden can greatly increase your home's curb appeal. Keep your lawn tidy, remove pet waste, and repair pet wear. Removing visible signs of pet-related items, such as toys, also helps to clean up the appearance and create a positive first impression to potential buyers.
4. Temporary relocation arrangements
Consider arranging for your pet to temporarily stay elsewhere during screenings and open houses. This minimizes potential buyer distractions and allergies, allowing them to focus on the functions of their home without pet-related distractions. It also helps make this process less stressful for your pet. Having strangers in your home can be confusing. Our team typically encourages sellers to bring their pets along or travel out of town with their pets the first weekend the home is active, the weekend with the most showings.
5. Neutralize decorations
Finally, while you may love pet-themed decor, it's important to remember that not all buyers will share your enthusiasm. Consider removing decorations and pet accessories to appeal to a wider range of buyers. Be sure to put away toys and hide food bowls, litter boxes, and anything else that might disturb buyers.
Selling a home with a pet may take some effort, but with careful planning and preparation, you can successfully attract buyers and achieve a smooth transaction. By proactively addressing pet-related concerns and showing your home in the best possible light, you increase your chances of selling quickly and for a high price.
I love supporting the Alexandria community. Especially when it's a great event for the family and the dog.
The Peel Group, Hope & Kim Peel, and Nancy Smith are all longtime Alexandria residents and have over 30 years of combined real estate experience. When you hire us, you hire our track record of success. We are competitive and results-oriented. Our top priority is to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Our team's listings sell for an average of 104% of list price and spend an average of just 11 days on the market. We are proud to work with McEnany Associates, the gold standard in Alexandria real estate. Call your home consultation by August 31st. When you sell your home, you receive $500 for painting or landscaping. See you at Dogfest!
Hope Peele is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia. She grew up in Old Town and currently lives in Delray. As a partner at The Peele Group, Hope is dedicated to helping clients succeed through the multifaceted process of buying or selling a home. Contact Hope at 703-244-6115.
If you would like your questions answered in our weekly column or would like to set up an appointment with one of our associates, please contact us at the following email address: [email protected] Or call us at 703-549-9292.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria