Statistics indicate that approximately 75% of homeowners have some type of 
pet. It could be a dog or a cat, a guinea pig, gerbil, birds or a snake. There are so many different types of pets. I used to have a friend with a pet pig named Mickey. Mickey weighed over 300 pounds and lived in the house.
Whatever type of pet you have...we can all agree that often times we treat our animals as if they are part of our family.
But, be aware, not everyone loves your pet as much as you do!
When it comes to selling your home, buyers don't want to be reminded about your sweet little furry critter.
I recently received an email from a buyer that has an interest in purchasing a property that hasn't been ruined by cats, dogs or cigarette smoke.
There is no bigger turn off when walking through the front door of a home than the "smell" of a pet, ANY pet.
I have had certain buyers turn on their heel and walk right back out the front door at the slightest hint of a pet smell or at the whiff of cigarette smoke.
So, sellers, be careful that your home is "smell" ready BEFORE that prospective buyer comes to see your house.
Remember: Out of sight, and no smells, means out of mind.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County, Florida's Space Coast Real Estate & Investing
I specialize in Residential, Investment & Relocations.
We have a team of professionals that can help with your Short Sale.
I buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property
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that for you
I think some people get use to the smell by living with it everyday that they do not realize how offensive it may be to others.
Open the windows, remove litter boxes, spray Fabreeze and pray.
Sometimes it all you can do.
Sandy,,
Recently I blogged about a very similar subject. "Pets and Equity" Where I wondered if it's possible to quantify the equity cost of a pet.
Hi Sandy, People who have allergies definitely have concerns. Once the buyer gets a whiff of something they don't like, they are generally done looking at that home. Besides stagers maybe now we need professional sniffers?
I have had smokers complain about homes smelling like cigarettes and I've had pet owners complain about animal smells, can these same people smell the same thing at home? I can smell it on them. I think, in some cases, people are just being negative for the sake of being negative!
From balmy Washington State, where snow is a 4 letter word!
Paul
Sandy
Homes with odors are very challenging to sell.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Sandy, here's the crux of the problem!
Sandy, I have always had dogs (and sometimes other animals) but I believe if you keep them cleaned and off the furniture and clean your house you won't smell them. I have a good nose and I don't smell them in my client's homes, either. Cleaning is key.
Sandy - You notice the pet odor a LOT more when sellers turn off a/c in vacant properties to save money.
Hi Sandy ~ Some pets just smell more than others. I showed a lovely condo where the smelliest dog I've ever encountered lived. We all got splitting headaches and could smell the rank dog odor on our clothes half an hour later.
Liz
Sandy,
Pet Oxygen is supposed to be the cure for pet odors.....
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Sandy, great post. (I also like Kevin's picture above). Even animal lovers don't like the smell of other pets when looking for a home. They want to establish their own smell, it's a territorial thing that is ingrained in our DNA.
The old saying is that "Pigs don't know that pigs stink." People with pets often don't even realize just how overwhelming that smell can be.
Sandy seems the people who own houses with the pets have become acquainted to the odor of their pets and don't notice it any more.
I deal with this issue all the time. I have a list of suggestions I leave with sellers about pets. The best scent in a home is CLEAN.
Ted, I agree, I think sometimes people are so used to the smell, that they no longer are aware of it anymore. It's only when someone else brings it to their attention that they realize that there may be an offensive odor.
Don, I know that often times owners do things to mask the odor. I really think that if they have to go deeper and do a really good cleaning. They've got to get to the root of the problem, to really have the house "smell" market ready.
Bob, Interesting topic. I'll have to check out your article. I have been in homes that were just so bad, that I knew there was no way of getting around the animal smell. It's such a big turn off to buyers.
Mary, I like that.... professional sniffers... what a great idea! Smelly homes are really a cause for concern for people with allergies. When I was a kid, I took alle4rgy shots for 16 years. I was allergic to everything. And if I got around someone else's animal, my eyes would swell up and my asthma would go into overdrive. It was awful. When those sellers leave those houses, the smells remain with the house.
Paul, It's funny how different people are sensitive to different things. I've also known smokers that could smell a cigarette a mile away. It seems odd, doesn't it.?
Lou, Sometimes those homes bring much less money and some of them never even sell.
Kevin, Absolutely love the picture! What are you doing letting your dog smoke? LOL That is definitely a huge problem. Get that dog to smoke smoking.
Carole, I agree that cleaning is absolutely key. Sounds like you're doing a great job keep your house clean. I have all tile floors and I insist on washing my dog every week, as I'm really sensitive to dog smells.
Wendy, Turning off the A/C definitely brings any odors in any home.
Elizabeth, Oh,boy, that is a smelly dog! Wow, the odor was still on you after you left. That's a tough situation for an owner trying to sell.
Ann, Pet oxygen, hmmmm. Really? Do they give pets more oxygen to get more blood flowing? Tell me more.
Gabe, Funny you said say that - I agree - we do like to establish our own smells in our own homes - different from others.
Rob, Love the quote - it's fitting. I think some people have just grown accustomed to the smell and don't realize it's there.
John, I think it's really what we get used to, isn't it?
Janice, You're right - the best smell is clean - great point.
Sandy,
Pet Oxygen is a cleaning product produced by Woolite. It works better than Fabreeze on pet situations....
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
I agree with your post 100% but this is a touchy subject with many home owners. Bad smells do offend.
Hi Ann, Oh I've never heard of it before. I'll have to try it. I thought it was an oxygen mask that you hook up to your dog. (LOL)
Jay, It can be a touchy subject, But, if you want to sell, they have to get rid of the smell.
Hey Sandy,
I have heard nothing but good things about the product!
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Ann, Well thanks for the great tip!