By: Karen Fowler/Paws in Paradise SWFL
Introduction
Selling your home is stressful enough, but when you share that home with beloved pets, the process adds an extra layer of complexity. From Fort Myers to Naples, buyers walk into your property with high expectations for a clean, coastal-calm space. They should be focused on your gorgeous pool deck or spacious kitchen—not the lingering scent of Fido’s bedding or Tigger’s hair.
This ultimate guide covers the crucial steps we take together to neutralize your space, eliminate anxiety, and showcase your home’s value, ensuring a quick sale at the best price, even with pets in residence.
1. The Deep Clean: Banishing Odor and Dander
Pet odors and dander are the top reasons a buyer walks away. You may be “nose-blind,” but a professional cleaner or objective friend will notice any lingering smells.
- Professional Cleaning is Non-Negotiable: Hire a professional cleaning service and splurge on carpet steam-cleaning to eliminate embedded pet hair, dander, and odors from the carpet fibers.
- Fabric Freshen-Up: Wash all soft surfaces, including throw blankets, pet beds, curtains, and cushion covers, as odors cling to fibers.
- Address the Air: Replace your HVAC filter and clean air vents, as these can circulate dander and odors throughout the home.
- Yard Duty: Power-wash patios and decks, and meticulously pick up all pet waste in the yard. Buyers should not worry about stepping in anything outside.
2. Erase the Evidence: The Staging Reset
The goal of staging is to help the buyer imagine their life in the home. Visible signs of pets prevent this.
- The Big Stowaway: Before photos and showings, all pet accessories must disappear off the property (or into a locked utility closet). This includes:
- Food and water bowls.
- Litter boxes (clean, bag, and remove them entirely).
- Crates, kennels, and pet beds.
- Large bags of food or treats.
- Repair Pet-Caused Damage: Scratches on doors, chew marks on baseboards, and ripped screens should be fixed. Buyers will quickly deduct the cost of repairs from their offer.
- Neutralize Decor: Take down any dog-themed art, photographs of your pet, or personalized pet accessories. Keep decor simple and coastal-calm.
3. The Showing Strategy: Handling the Tour
Your pet should never be present during a home showing. Pets can be a distraction, a safety concern, and a potential allergy trigger.
- Relocation Plan: Secure a plan for your pet before your home goes on the market. Options include:
- Doggy Daycare (a great use of the local businesses we recommend!).
- A walk or drive with a family member.
- Temporary stay with a trusted friend or neighbor.
- Prep the Lanai: If you have an outdoor space your pet uses, power-wash the area and hide all toys/waste before the showing. Stage the lanai with nice outdoor furniture to highlight the indoor-outdoor flow.
4. Highlight the Pet-Friendly Assets
While hiding evidence of existing pets, we can strategically market the home’s positive pet features to the majority of buyers who own pets.
- Fenced Yard: If your yard is fenced, ensure it’s spotless and highlight this valuable amenity in the listing description.
- Pet-Friendly Flooring: Mention durable, neutral Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or tile flooring in high-traffic areas, as this signals a well-cared-for home.
- Proximity to Fun: As your Realtor, I will make sure the listing highlights the home’s closeness to amenities like the Dog Beach Park or local dog parks.
Conclusion
Selling a home with pets requires commitment, but the extra effort pays off in a faster sale and a better price. By partnering with a pet-focused Realtor, you ensure every step—from deep cleaning to listing presentation—is executed perfectly.
Ready to find your pet’s next backyard in paradise? Don’t wait until you’ve sold your current home!
Click here to download my full ‘Paws in Paradise’ SWFL Relocation Guide and get started on finding the perfect pet-friendly community today!