Your Pet Does Not Have to Disappear Because the For-Sale Sign Went Up
Selling while you still live in the home is inconvenient.
Selling with:
- Dogs.
- Cats.
- Children.
- Work.
and a buyer requesting a showing in 30 minutes
can feel ridiculous.
The solution is a plan.
Lisa wants to establish that plan before the first showing request.
First: Where Will the Pet Be During Showings?
This depends entirely on the animal.
Maybe your dog comes with you.
Maybe a cat stays in a secured room with very clear instructions.
Maybe the pet goes to daycare on high-showing days.
The worst plan is:
“Just don't let the cat out” written in a showing note while the terrified cat hides somewhere nobody can find.
Pet safety matters.
Buyer comfort matters too.
Not Every Buyer Likes Animals
Your 120-pound dog may be the sweetest animal on Earth.
A buyer who is afraid of dogs does not know that.
A barking or jumping pet can shorten a showing dramatically.
Give buyers enough comfort to focus on the property.
The Odor Conversation
This is uncomfortable.
Pet owners can become nose-blind to their own home.
The smell that disappears for you can be the first thing a buyer notices at the front door.
Invite an honest friend or Lisa to walk through with fresh senses before the first showing.
Address the source rather than masking it: wash pet bedding and fabric, steam or replace worn carpet, and treat floors and walls where accidents happened.
Strong air fresheners can create their own objection, and some buyers are sensitive to them. Clean, ventilate and declutter.
Pet Damage Is Part of the Inspection Process
Scratched doors, chewed baseboards and carpet stains are common in homes with pets.
Some damage is worth repairing before listing.
Some is worth pricing for.
Honest disclosure beats a buyer discovering the damage at the inspection. The flooring guide covers the damaged-carpet decision, and inspection problems for sellers covers the negotiation when findings surface.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Deep-clean immediately before each high-traffic showing weekend.
Vacuum with a cleaner that actually captures dander, and wash or remove pet beds from the rooms buyers see most.
You will not remove every allergen, and you do not have to.
You are reducing the objection so buyers can evaluate the house.
Outdoor and Yard Management
Clean the yard before every showing.
Pet waste in the backyard is one of the fastest ways to lose a buyer who was already close.
Repair obvious digging damage in landscaping, and keep food and water bowls out of sight during showings unless they are part of the plan.
The Plan Before the First Showing
Write it down before the listing goes live:
- Where does each pet go for each type of showing?
- Who handles the pet when you cannot?
- What instructions do agents and buyers receive?
- What cleaning happens before and after each showing?
- Where are pet supplies stored during showings?
Lisa coordinates the showing instructions so the plan actually survives a same-day showing request.
This guide is part of the Las Vegas Home Seller Resource Center, where pricing, preparation, marketing, offers and escrow each have their own guide.
About Lisa C Hamilton
Lisa C Hamilton has helped people buy and sell real estate in Las Vegas for more than 20 years. Her business has been built largely through referrals, and she is known for proactive preparation, strong negotiation and keeping clients informed throughout the transaction.
Lisa serves buyers and sellers throughout Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas with THE Brokerage, A Real Estate Firm®. Nevada Real Estate License: S.168195. Your Friend in the Industry.
Learn more about Lisa, contact Lisa, search Las Vegas homes, or sell with Lisa.
