Tips for Selling a Home When You Own Pets in Windsor, ON

Selling a home can be a complex process, and if you own pets, it presents a few extra challenges. From maintaining cleanliness to managing your pets during showings, there are several important details that need extra care. Pet ownership can sometimes deter potential buyers due to allergies, cleanliness concerns, or fear of animals, so it’s vital to ensure your home looks as pet-free as possible to attract a wide audience.

For homeowners in Windsor, Ontario, selling a home with pets doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide, brought to you by The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, offers some essential tips to help you showcase your home in the best possible light while managing your pets. With their expertise in Windsor’s real estate market, these tips will ensure that your home appeals to potential buyers, even with furry friends in the mix.

1. Deep Clean Your Home: Remove Pet Hair and Odors

Cleanliness is critical when selling a home with pets. Pet hair and lingering odors can be a significant turnoff for buyers, even for those who love animals. To make your Windsor home more inviting, follow these cleaning tips:

• Vacuum frequently: Clean all carpets, rugs, and upholstery daily to remove pet hair and dander. This keeps your home fresh and allergen-free.
• Wash pet bedding: Regularly clean pet beds and furniture your pets frequent to minimize odors.
• Use an air purifier: An air purifier can help remove pet dander and neutralize lingering odors, creating a more pleasant environment for potential buyers.
• Consider professional cleaning: Hire a professional carpet cleaning service to ensure that pet odors and stains are removed from your home, making it more attractive to buyers in Windsor’s competitive real estate market.

2. Declutter Pet Items

To keep your home looking its best, declutter pet-related items. While your pet’s toys and accessories may be cute, they can make your home look messy and less appealing to buyers.

• Store pet toys and leashes: Keep pet items in a storage bin that can be easily hidden during showings. This keeps the home looking tidy and organized.
• Remove pet furniture: If your pets have large items like beds or crates, temporarily store them out of sight or in a storage unit.
• Hide feeding stations: Clean and store food and water bowls before showings. Pet feeding areas can make kitchens or dining rooms look cluttered.

3. Eliminate Pet Odors at the Source

Nothing turns off potential buyers faster than a lingering pet odor. Even in pet-friendly Windsor neighborhoods, a home that smells like pets may deter buyers. Here’s how to tackle pet odors:

• Litter box maintenance: Clean litter boxes daily, and consider moving them to less-trafficked areas, such as the basement or garage. This keeps odors out of living spaces.
• Groom your pets regularly: Regularly bathe and groom your pets to reduce the amount of fur and odor they leave behind.
• Odor-neutralizing sprays: Use pet-safe sprays to help mask any remaining pet odors and make the home smell clean and fresh.

4. Repair Pet Damage to Walls, Floors, and Furniture

Even well-behaved pets can cause wear and tear on a home. Fix any visible pet damage to avoid leaving a negative impression on potential buyers.

• Fix scratched doors and walls: Sand and repaint areas where pets have scratched walls or doors. Small repairs like this can make a big difference in how well your home shows.
• Replace damaged flooring: If your pets have scratched hardwood floors or stained carpets, consider refinishing the floors or replacing sections of carpet.
• Patch holes in the yard: If your dog has dug holes in the yard, fill them in and reseed the area. A well-kept yard adds to your home’s curb appeal, especially in Windsor’s beautiful neighborhoods.

5. Clean and Maintain Outdoor Spaces

Your yard is the first thing buyers will notice, and it’s part of your home’s overall appeal. If you have pets, it’s important to keep your outdoor areas clean and well-maintained.

• Pick up pet waste: Regularly clean up any pet waste from your yard, especially before showings. A clean yard helps make a great first impression.
• Repair damaged grass: Pets can cause wear and tear on lawns, leaving bald patches. Take the time to repair any damage to your lawn by reseeding and watering the grass.
• Clean outdoor areas: Wash patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces where your pet spends time to remove dirt, fur, and odors.

6. Plan for Pet-Free Showings

While your pets are beloved members of your family, it’s best to remove them during showings. Buyers may have allergies, phobias, or simply prefer to view a home without pets present.

• Take pets out during showings: Arrange for your pets to be away from the home during showings. Take them to a local park, a friend’s house, or out for a walk.
• Consider pet-sitting services: Use a pet-sitting service or doggy daycare if you can’t be home. Windsor has a range of reliable pet care options to make this easier for you.
• Crate pets if necessary: If removing your pets isn’t possible, crate them in a quiet, safe room that buyers won’t need to access, such as the basement or garage.

7. Remove All Visible Signs of Pets

Even if potential buyers love animals, many prefer to see a home that doesn’t look or smell like pets live there. Removing visible signs of your pets can make your home more appealing.

• Store pet food and bowls: Clean and store away food and water dishes, as well as any open bags of pet food, to reduce clutter.
• Remove pet hair: Use a lint roller or vacuum to remove any pet hair from furniture, floors, and rugs before showings.
• Hide pet carriers and crates: Store pet carriers and crates out of sight during showings. Buyers may feel uneasy seeing reminders of pets in the home.

8. Highlight Pet-Friendly Features

While some buyers may not want to live with pets, others might be thrilled to find a home that’s perfect for their furry companions. Highlight any pet-friendly features to appeal to these buyers.

• Showcase a fenced yard: If you have a fenced yard, this is a major selling point for pet owners. Highlight this feature in your listing to attract buyers who own pets.
• Emphasize easy-to-clean floors: If your home has hardwood or tile flooring, make sure to mention this as it’s easier to clean and maintain for pet owners.
• Point out nearby parks: Windsor is home to many dog-friendly parks and trails, which is a great selling point for buyers with pets. Mention the proximity to parks like Ojibway Park or Malden Park in your listing.

9. Address Pet-Related Repairs

Do a thorough walk around both inside and outside your property to identify any pet-related issues you may not have noticed, giving you time to fix them before buyers come through.

• Address pet-related repairs: Make necessary repairs to any pet-related damage, such as scratched floors or walls. Fixing these issues in advance makes your home more attractive to buyers.
• Increase buyer confidence: Keeping on top of repairs reassures buyers that your home has been well-maintained, even if pets have lived there.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I disclose that I have pets when selling my home in Windsor, ON?

While you don’t need to advertise that pets live in the home, it’s important to maintain a clean, pet-free appearance during showings. This increases your chances of appealing to a wide range of buyers.

2. How should I handle showings if I can’t remove my pets?

If you can’t remove your pets during showings, crate them in a quiet room that buyers won’t be accessing, such as a garage or basement.

3. What’s the best way to eliminate pet odors before showings?

Deep clean carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding, and use odor-neutralizing sprays. Additionally, consider using air purifiers to keep your home smelling fresh.

4. How often should I clean pet hair during the selling process?

It’s a good idea to clean up pet hair daily, especially before showings. Regular vacuuming helps ensure your home remains presentable.

5. How can I repair a yard damaged by my pets?

Reseed any bare patches of grass and keep your yard free of pet waste. A clean, well-maintained yard adds to your home’s curb appeal.

6. Will repairing pet damage increase my home’s value?

Yes, fixing any pet-related damage, such as scratched floors or stained carpets, can help your home sell for a better price by making it more appealing to buyers.

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For more expert tips on selling your home in Windsor, ON, contact The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd., Brokerage. Whether you need advice on staging your home or navigating the Windsor real estate market, their experienced agents are here to help you every step of the way.  The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team offers free home market evaluations and free buyer consultations and can be heard live on The Dan Gemus Real Estate Show on AM800 CKLW every Saturday and Sunday between noon – 1pm.