Are pets a problem when selling a home?
The general perception from a real estate broker is that they can be - mainly because of the uncertainty how a pet may react with strangers in their home; plus you also have the “odd smell” factor, the possibility of the pet getting out of the home and of course pets are a strong reminder to buyers that the home is occupied. Many prospective buyers don't like feeling voyeuristic while touring someone else's personal life, which is why brokers ask that you de-personalize your home before listing it.
With roughly 65% of America homes having domesticated pets in them you’d think that this wouldn't be an issue, naturally we are comfortable with pets, but my experience selling homes in West Seattle has proven that most buyers and buyer’s agents would prefer to not experience pets in the home at the time of previewing the property.
So what do you do with a pet when you list your home for sale?
The best solution is to have a good friend or family member who knows and is comfortable with your pet to take it for a short period of time when your home first goes on the market maybe up to a week. This is when you will get the most foot traffic through your home. If thats not an option, then having the pet stay a pet daycare during your working hours might be a good alternative. If a buyer’s agent calls to show the home you are not burden with trying to get the pet out of the home on short notice.