How to Stage a Home with Pets for Buyers

Staging a home for sale is an essential step in the selling process. It helps potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space, highlighting its best features while downplaying any flaws. However, when you have pets, staging can become more challenging. Pets can leave behind smells, stains, or marks on furniture, and their presence may lead buyers to worry about damage or allergens. While it's important to keep your beloved pets comfortable during the process, you also need to create an inviting environment for potential buyers.

This article provides strategies for staging a home with pets to ensure it appeals to buyers while maintaining a pet-friendly atmosphere. We will explore everything from cleaning to hiding pet-related items, and managing potential distractions. With these tips, you can effectively stage your home for sale while keeping your pets in mind.

Start with Deep Cleaning

A. Clean Your Home Thoroughly

Before any staging begins, you must perform a deep clean of your home. Pets often shed fur, leave behind odors, or create messes, and this can be noticeable to buyers. Pet hair can be pervasive and cling to furniture, rugs, and even curtains, so a deep clean is essential to remove any signs of pet presence.

• Carpets and Rugs: Start with carpets and rugs. Vacuum thoroughly to remove pet hair and debris. If there are deep stains, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring a professional to clean them. If necessary, replace worn-out carpets or rugs that may have pet odors embedded in them.
• Furniture: Use a lint roller or upholstery vacuum attachment to remove pet hair from furniture, especially soft surfaces like sofas and armchairs. Pay special attention to areas where your pets typically sit or lay down.
• Hardwood and Tile Floors: Sweep and mop floors, paying close attention to areas where pets may have tracked dirt or left paw prints.
• Windows and Curtains: Pet owners know that pets love to look out windows, which can result in muddy paw prints or nose marks. Clean windows and wash any curtains or blinds that have been stained by pets.

B. Deodorize the Home

While a clean home is a great start, you also need to neutralize any lingering odors. Pet smells can be particularly noticeable, so using odor-eliminating techniques is vital. Here are a few options:

• Pet-Specific Deodorizing Products: Invest in pet-specific deodorizers for furniture and carpets. These products are designed to neutralize odors without leaving a harsh scent behind.
• Natural Solutions: Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer. Sprinkle it on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding, leave it for a few hours, and then vacuum it up. You can also use vinegar and water in a spray bottle to eliminate odors from hard surfaces.
• Air Purifiers: Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove pet dander and allergens from the air. This is especially helpful if you have a pet that sheds heavily.

Remove Visible Pet Items

A. Tidy Up Pet Toys and Bowls

As a pet owner, you're probably used to seeing your pet's toys, food bowls, and beds scattered around the house. However, these items can be distracting to potential buyers. They take attention away from the home's features and can make the space look less polished.

• Tidy up Pet Toys: Ensure that pet toys, balls, and chew items are put away in drawers or storage containers. Don't leave them lying around on the floor or in the corners of rooms.
• Remove Pet Beds: While pet beds are comfortable for your furry friends, they may not be appealing to potential buyers. If your pet's bed is large and noticeable, consider putting it away for the duration of showings.
• Hide Food and Water Bowls: Pet bowls can be a giveaway that you have pets. Store them in cabinets or drawers when not in use. If you have multiple pets, it's important to keep the area neat and clean.

B. Hide Litter Boxes

If you have cats, a litter box is inevitable. However, litter boxes are often one of the biggest pet-related items that can turn off potential buyers. To avoid this, keep the litter box hidden and place it in a discreet area, such as a bathroom or laundry room.

• Scent Control: If the litter box must be visible, ensure it is clean and odor-free. You can also use air fresheners, odor-absorbing gels, or litter box liners to control unpleasant smells.
• Covered Litter Boxes: Consider investing in a covered litter box or a stylish, discreet box enclosure that blends with the decor. The goal is to make it as inconspicuous as possible.

Focus on Pet-Safe Staging Strategies

A. Keep Furniture in Good Condition

Pets can be hard on furniture. Scratches, chew marks, and fur accumulation can be noticeable, and they may detract from the home's appeal. It's crucial to fix any visible damage before staging the home.

• Repair Scratches: If your pet has scratched up furniture, repair any visible damage. Use wood filler or fabric repair kits to fix any blemishes. If the damage is extensive, it may be worthwhile to replace the affected piece of furniture.
• Pet-Friendly Fabrics: When staging, opt for pet-friendly materials that are durable and easy to clean. Leather, faux leather, or tightly woven fabrics are great choices for homes with pets, as they're less likely to trap hair and are easier to wipe down.

B. Use Pet-Safe Furniture Covers

If your pets have favorite spots on the couch, consider using furniture covers or slipcovers. This can protect your furniture from pet damage and fur, while also giving the space a clean, fresh look. Use neutral-colored covers to match your home's decor and create a uniform appearance.

C. Pet-Friendly Landscaping

If you have a backyard or outdoor space, it's important to make sure it is pet-friendly while still looking appealing to buyers. Remove any pet waste and clean up pet damage to the lawn. Trim hedges and bushes, and keep the yard tidy. If possible, try to create a nice outdoor living area, like a patio or garden, that shows how the space can be used for relaxation and entertainment.

Manage Pet Distractions During Showings

While staging your home, it's important to consider how your pets may distract potential buyers during showings. If your pets are in the house during a showing, their behavior can impact a buyer's perception of the home.

A. Take Pets Out During Showings

If possible, remove your pets from the home during showings. This allows potential buyers to view the space without distractions, and ensures that no pet-related issues, such as barking, meowing, or pet odors, impact their experience.

• Arrange for Pet Care: Arrange for a pet sitter, friend, or family member to look after your pets while your home is being shown. If this isn't possible, consider taking them to a local pet daycare.
• Keep Pets in a Safe Room: If removing your pets from the home is not an option, designate a safe space, such as a bedroom, where they can be confined during showings. This keeps them out of sight and minimizes disruption.

B. Address Pet Allergies

Potential buyers with pet allergies may be concerned about allergens in your home. While deep cleaning and deodorizing can help, it's also a good idea to invest in an air purifier to remove dander from the air. This will create a healthier environment for buyers with allergies and help alleviate any concerns.

Be Transparent About Your Pets

While you want to create a clean and neutral environment for buyers, it's important to be transparent about the presence of pets. If you have pets, be sure to let your real estate agent know so they can inform potential buyers. Transparency helps manage expectations and avoid surprises later in the process.

• Highlight Pet-Friendly Features: If your home has any features that would appeal to pet owners, such as a large yard, a doggy door, or built-in pet storage, be sure to highlight these. Buyers with pets will appreciate these features and may be more likely to make an offer.
• Disclose Pet History: If you have a history of pets in the home, it's a good idea to disclose this. Buyers may want to know if any pets have lived in the home, as this can affect their decision-making process, especially if they have allergies or concerns about pet-related damage.

Final Thoughts

Staging a home with pets presents a unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies, you can create an appealing space for potential buyers while keeping your pets comfortable. The key is to ensure that your home is clean, odor-free, and clutter-free, while also minimizing the visual presence of pets during showings. By following these tips and making thoughtful adjustments, you can make your home stand out on the market, all while providing a pet-friendly environment that both buyers and their furry companions will appreciate.

Staging a home with pets is not just about making the space look good---it's about showing buyers that they can enjoy the benefits of a pet-friendly home without compromising on cleanliness, comfort, or style. By taking these steps, you can create a harmonious balance that helps your home sell quickly and at the best price possible.

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