Happy Pets and Home Sales – Can They Co-Exist?

We love our pets so much that Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world.  With dogs proving most popular and cats coming in at a strong second, surely people would want to meet our pets when inspecting our properties.  Unfortunately, this is not the case, and more often than not, signs of a resident pet can be a deterrent even for the biggest animal lover.

So what are homeowners to do about their pets when selling their property?

The most important issue is to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet. Vendors may want to consider rehoming their pet temporarily with friends, at a comfortable kennel, or at a minimum, taking them away from home when required.  Having strangers onsite can cause distress for some pets, and with people coming and going it is impossible for an agent to monitor the whereabouts of your pet during an open for inspection.  For private inspections, it is important to keep your agent informed about your pet and potential issues that may arise when your pet is home alone.

For the presentation of your home, it is key that the visual impacts of pets are minimal.  Any damage that has been caused by animals, from digging up landscapes to scratching floors and doors, should be repaired before an open for inspection.  It also helps to keep in mind that buyers may have fears or allergies relating to animals, so drawing attention to a resident pet, including smells in carpets and hair on furniture, should also be removed. As pet owners, often we turn a blind eye to the sights and smells of our beloved pets, so asking your agent or an impartial friend if they notice if anything amiss can be a great help.

So while pets are paramount to many Australian’s way of life, they can be a liability when selling a property if not managed properly.  However, experienced agents have plenty of interactions with animals, and ideally can get to know and understand your pet’s behaviour when spending time onsite.  With their routine inevitably interrupted, a familiar face may help make your pet more comfortable while selling your home.