So many of us own pets, and almost as many of us own homes, so you can probably see where this is heading. Having a furry companion may be one of the greater pleasures in life — and it can also totally destroy your carpet. Suffice it to say, this may be one of several areas that need some extra care when it comes time to sell.
If you’re thinking about selling, now’s the time to do it. Because of low housing inventory, it remains a seller’s market. Forty-four percent of all homes are selling above asking price. Though demand is high, it’s still smart to pay attention. Giving homebuyers what they’re looking for — and avoiding glaring dealbreakers — can make your sale even faster and smoother.
9 unexpected buyer turnoffs (and one of them involves pets)
Want to sell successfully? This is what most buyers don’t want to see when they tour your house:
1. Baby stuff.
Seems harsh, but it’s true. For prospective buyers, especially those who may not have children, kid and baby gear should be put up and out of sight. Homebuyers need to be able to envision themselves in a house, and dirty bottles in the kitchen sink don’t help.
2. Bathroom clutter.
Crowded bathroom countertops (and drawers and closets) are only going to distract a buyer. Almost no one wants to see a mess in such a personal room in the house, so take some time to organize, clean, and box up most items to put in storage.
3. Bright lights.
Bet you wouldn’t think this was a turnoff. But many buyers balk at rooms that are too bright because it makes them feel like they’re under a spotlight. Use natural lighting wherever possible as it sets a comfier tone; clean windows, hang sheer curtains, and trim overhanging branches.
4. Dirty toilets.
This may be one of the biggest offenders of all, and the sad part is that it’s easily avoided. Just make sure to keep your toilets clean and flushed with the lid down in each showing — and the touring homebuyers will thank you.
5. Grime.
While it should go without saying, you’d be surprised how many homes hit the market with mold, mildew, and stains. All areas of a home should be clean and free of debris to attract a buyer. This may be the time to splurge on a deep cleaning if you want to sell fast.
6. Odd spaces.
Though the design of your home is entirely personal, you’re going to want each room in your house to make sense before you put it on the market. The unconventional use of space (like a sofa in the dining room, for example) is typically discouraged since it will only confuse a buyer.
7. Outdated hardware.
Kind of like shoulder pads, old hardware and fixtures from decades-past aren’t going to be making a comeback (for most of us). Updating brass cabinet, door, and lighting hardware to brushed nickel is one way to quickly modernize a house.
8. Pet stuff.
Oh, boy. You love your pet dearly, so it’s hard to imagine that not everyone’s going to feel the same. But potential buyers don’t want to see cat litter boxes or dog bowls in the kitchen — and lingering pet odors present a major problem. (More on that below.)
9. Sellers in the home.
You may want to greet buyers at a showing and tell them how amazing your house is, but this strategy is sure to backfire. If you’ve taken care of all the turnoffs listed above, now’s the time to get out of Dodge and let buyers form their own opinions. You’ll kill a sale by coming on too strong.
Ready to sell but don’t know where to begin? Reach out to a local loan officer now.
It may take some time to cover every buyer turnoff on this list, but when it comes to point number one, there’s an easy fix. Unsightly pet stains and odors are considered a top turnoff among potential buyers. The good news is that if you’ve got white vinegar and baking soda in your cabinets already, then you’ve got the tools you need to keep your carpets clean — and your home appealing.
DIY pet stain remover recipe
Ingredients:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
Directions:
- Soak the stained area of carpet in white vinegar until it’s saturated completely.
- Then sprinkle baking soda on top.
- Cover and let the spot dry for 1 to 2 days. Vacuum, and repeat as needed on new or old stains.
To find hidden stains, invest in a blacklight flashlight, which is affordable and easy to find on Amazon. Using a blacklight will make it possible to locate faded or overlooked pet urine stains that would otherwise go undetected.
While pet accidents are bound to be a fact of life, a house-trained dog or cat that starts having accidents out of the blue may be showing the signs of an underlying health problem. If your pet’s behavior has changed suddenly, and your carpet is suffering, it may be worth a trip to the vet, for something as simple as a UTI or an early indicator of a condition that’s more serious.
When you do make that sale and are preparing to buy a new house, we recommend keeping this DIY pet stain remover recipe handy. Change can be stressful for pets of any age, and dog trainers agree that pet accidents are much more likely to happen after moving.
If you’re ready to sell, we’re ready to help
In today’s market, your home is likely to sell quickly. Prequalifying in advance for a new mortgage enables you to move fast, as soon as you accept an offer on your house. Got a minute? Prequalify now.
For educational purposes only. Please contact your qualified professional for specific guidance.
Sources are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.