As much you love your pets, there are people out there who may not care for them. Whether someone's allergic or just not an animal person, selling your house can be tricky when the sight, sound, or smell of a pet can turn off potential buyers. To maximize your chances of a sale, follow these tips.

How to Sell Your House When You Have Pets

1. Relocate the Pet

The easiest and most effective way to keep your pet out from underfoot while showing the home or holding an open house is to relocate them temporarily. Having a parent, sibling, or trusted friend house your pet for a little while will let you invite buyers over without advance notice. It'll also help keep the house from getting hairy and dirty during the listing process.

If your pet is very young, very old, or emotionally fragile, consult your veterinarian before you relocate them. In such cases, it might be better to only remove them during showtimes.

2. Scrub Carpets & Furniture

You probably don't notice pet smells, dander, and fur around your house. However, your prospective buyers may be sensitive to these factors. Use a professional carpet cleaner on your rugs and a steam cleaner on your furniture to remove stains, smells, and hair. This will better enable your guests to imagine their belongings in the home without distraction.

3. Clean the Yard

Don't forget to tidy up your yard, especially areas where your pets are free to roam. Pick up any waste, and reseed and fertilize brown spots in the grass caused by urine. Keep your yard as pristine as possible by walking your dog to the park until you've sold the home.

If you’re planning on selling your house, contact one of the real estate agents at Lawrence Realty in Red Wing, MN. This family-owned business has served clients in and around Goodhue County since 1948, so they have the experience you need. Visit their website to learn more about selling your home or call (651) 388-4745 to schedule an appointment with a real estate agent.