How to Sell a Home With Pets

Selling a home with pets can feel like walking a tightrope. You want buyers to fall in love with your house, but let’s be honest—fur, smells, and scratches can be deal breakers. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can sell your home quickly without giving up your furry friends.

1. Deep Clean Before Listing

Start with a professional or DIY deep clean. Vacuum carpets, mop floors, and wash pet bedding and toys. Don’t forget furniture—pet hair has a sneaky way of sticking to everything.

Tip: Consider a steam clean for carpets and upholstery. It lifts hair and odors better than any vacuum alone.

2. Manage Odors

Even if your house smells “normal” to you, buyers will notice any lingering pet odors. Use air purifiers, open windows, and lightly scent your home with neutral fragrances. Avoid masking odors with strong air fresheners—they can be overwhelming.

3. Contain Your Pets During Showings

It’s easier for buyers to picture themselves in the home if pets aren’t underfoot. Create a safe space for your pets during showings—like a friend’s house, a pet daycare, or even a gated room.

Pro Tip: Let your pets have a bathroom break right before the showing. It keeps the home fresh and prevents accidents.

4. Repair Pet Damage

Scratches on floors, chewed baseboards, or worn carpet spots should be fixed before listing. Minor repairs make a big difference in how buyers perceive the home’s overall condition.

5. Highlight the Pet-Friendly Features

If your home has a fenced yard, pet door, or nearby parks, showcase these as selling points. Many buyers see a home’s pet-friendliness as a huge bonus.

6. Be Transparent

Don’t hide the fact you have pets. Buyers appreciate honesty, and it avoids any awkward surprises during inspections or walkthroughs.

7. Stage Strategically

Keep pet toys, beds, and bowls out of sight for showings. A neutral, decluttered space helps buyers envision their own lifestyle in the home.

Takeaway

Selling with pets is entirely doable. Deep clean, manage odors, repair damage, and stage carefully. A little preparation goes a long way, and your buyers will focus on the home, not the fur.

Need guidance on selling your South Florida home with pets? Reach out to Michael Gutleizer, who goes by Mickey, your local expert in Broward and Dade County. Let’s make your home irresistible to buyers—pets included.