Since over 50% of all US households have pets, one may surmise that staging and showing the ideal home for our furry friends should be part of a calculated game plan. Dogs as well as cats can create a common ground between buyers and sellers. A way to evoke emotion without getting too personal, selling a pet-friendly home adds an air of familiarity or yearning from prospective buyers. All too often landlords forbid pets so often a first home signals the opportunity for the new owner to start his/her/their American dream. Often the first addition to a purchased property is a four-legged creature so it makes sense that people would note a special property worthy of a dog or cat. Many people start with the whiskered group before venturing on to the human variety so it makes total sense that a showing signs of an existing family pet can stir up some strong emotion.
Good pet display ideas include a new attractively hung leash at the back door. A stylish treat container on the counter and a shiny clean water bowl under a clean mat. Replace the framed family photo, with one of your pet in the family room. Show a clean and stylish pet bed in the bedroom or put a cozy throw over a favorite chair. Make sure that chew toys and bones are not present for showings. Keep fur at bay with your pet’s brush, vacuum and lint roller. Freshly laundered pets and bedding allows a home to be viewed without lingering odors. In the backyard, if Fido has a house, make sure it is clean and freshly painted. Absolutely make sure there are no souvenirs or packages left behind in the yard. Tidy and clean, inside and out will help sell your house to all members of the family!