Fortunately, more than 75% of homebuyers own pets, according to Zillow reports, so you’ll mostly encounter a lot of understanding customers. However, you’ll agree that not everyone is an animal lover. For these people, the presence of a pet in the home can be a deterrent to buying your property – no matter how nice it is.

This is why it’s important to take some extra steps to prepare your home if you’re a pet owner. Here are five things pet owners should do to prepare their property for sale:

1. Temporarily Relocate Your Pets

Seeing how potential buyers will be walking through your property, it’s best to remove any pets from the premises. Again, not everyone is an animal lover, and some may even be allergic to certain types of animals. By removing your pets during viewings, you can avoid any negative reactions or comments from prospective buyers. This could be an opportunity to give your pets a holiday while your home is on the market.

2. Eliminate Pet Odors

You might not smell it, but trust us on this, your home probably smells like your pets! It’s important to rid your property of any pet odors before potential buyers come through. Do this by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, laundering all bedding and curtains, and investing in some air fresheners or scented candles.

3. Get Rid of Pet Hair and Stains

Another turn-off for buyers is pet hair and stains. Be sure to vacuum or sweep all floors, including carpets and rugs. If you have any upholstered furniture, be sure to clean or steam it as well. Pet stains should also be cleaned or covered up as much as possible.

4. Repair Any Damage Caused by Pets

Sometimes even the best-behaved pets can cause damage to a home, whether it’s chewing on walls or scratching up floors. Do you have any scratched-up doorways or destroyed carpets from your pets? If so, it’s time to make repairs. This will show buyers that you take pride in your home, and your doing so will likely increase your home’s perceived value.

5. Hide Your Pet’s Stuff

Staging your home is important when selling, and that includes hiding away any pet items. This means putting away food and water bowls, leashes, toys, beds, and anything else that would make it obvious you have pets. You want buyers to be able to visualize the home as their own, without any distractions.

Planning to Sell Your Home in California?

If you’re a pet owner planning to sell your home in California, following these tips will help you prepare your property and make it more appealing to buyers. By taking care of the necessary repairs, decluttering, and hiding away pet-related items, you’ll be one step closer to a successful sale. Need help? Call Camden Mckay Realty at (909) 841-0243, and we’ll be happy to help you!