Hey there! If you're selling your home and have pets, like my buddy and unlicensed assistant, Vito the Wonder Dog, there's a bit for you to consider to ensure a smooth transition. Today, Vito and I will cover everything from preparing your home for sale with a pet to the crucial steps after moving in. Ready to dive in? Let's go!

I'm Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler, and we are your pet-friendly realtors in the Okanagan Shuswap. So, let's dive right into the five tips I have for you today.

1. Preparing Your Home for Sale

Smells Matter:
When you have pets, your house might not smell like the first day of spring. Even if you clean up after your pet daily, your house probably still smells like your pets. This is crucial because smells can turn off potential buyers. Some people don't like pets or how they smell, so it's essential to address this.

Deep Clean:
Start with a deep clean to tackle any pet odors or fur. Get rugs and fabric furniture professionally cleaned, and clean the litter box regularly and thoroughly. Use baking soda and hide it somewhere buyers won't see. Repair any pet-caused damages, like scratched walls or carpets. Remember, presenting a clean, damage-free home is the best way to attract buyers and get the best price.

2. Staging Your Home

Minimize Pet Signs:
While Vito's toys and bed are usually around for him to enjoy, minimizing signs of pets can help buyers envision the space as their own. Clean up any excess signs of having a pet, including a yard full of dog poop or those super green crop circles with a dead circle in the middle. Fill any holes if your dog is a digger.

Highlight Pet-Friendly Features:
Subtly highlighting pet-friendly features of your home can be a unique selling proposition for buyers with pets. The dog run in the back is a great feature for someone with a dog. Offering to remove it if they don't have a dog gives potential purchasers options, helping them better visualize themselves living in your home.

3. Check Local Zoning Bylaws and Community Rules

Compliance is Key:
Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding pet restrictions or modifications you've made to your home. For example, if you have a chicken coop that's not allowed in your zoning bylaws, disclose this to potential buyers. Disclosure is crucial to avoid any issues post-sale.

4. Managing Pets During Showings

Have a Plan:
Managing pets wisely during showings is essential. Ideally, have pets off-site during showings. If that's not possible, consider having a neighbor walk the dog or locking the cat in a specific room. Ensure you have a plan for both regular and short notice showings.

5. After the Sale: Updating Pet Information

Update Tags and Microchip Info:
When you move to a new place, update your pet's tags and microchip information. This ensures they can be returned to you if they get lost during or after the transition. It's a simple but vital step for your pet's safety.

From preparing and staging your home to updating pet tags after the move, these five tips will help ensure a successful sale and a smooth transition for you and your pet. They could also help you sell faster and for more money. 

Say goodbye to all the nice people, Vito. That's it for today!

If you like these tips, don't forget to like this blog, comment if you have questions, and subscribe for more info. And remember, when you're ready to sell your home, give us a shout at RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler. Happy selling!

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About the Author: The article above, Smart Home Selling with PETS - How to Make your Home IRRESISTIBLE to Buyers, was provided by Lisa Salt, an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging.  Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993. 

Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area?  Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!

Looking to sell?  We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.

We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.

Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com