so you decided to list your Back Bay condo for sale. The broker listed your Back Bay condo for sale on MLS and requests for walkthroughs are beginning to come in. That means it’s time to give your Back Bay home a deep clean and stage it properly so that potential buyers will put in an offer. However, when you have four paws (or more) running around, it places you in a unique situation. You love your furry companions, but buyers might not be too thrilled to learn that your dog is the king of the roost. To mask Fido and Whiskers presence, here are a few tips:
Fix Pet Damage
Regardless of whether you have dog or a cat, they are bound to cause damage. As a Back Bay or Boston Seaport condo buyer yourself, you will find yourself scrutinizing every nook and cranny of your potential new home, so you should expect buyers to do the same as soon as they enter your home. In fact, the scrutinizing starts as soon as they pull up outside your home, so make sure every poop is scooped. Next look for cosmetic damage inside your home. Try as they may, your pet hasn’t figured out how to open the door, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to scratch their way in. Repaint your door and wipe away nose prints from glass doors and windows. If your pet has caused some wear and tear on your hardwood, repair scratches with a stain filled marker or wood filler. Depending on the extent of the damage, you might consider a full replacement. Look for signs of chewing within your home as well, and remove any furniture that has been through the ringer.
Get Rid of the Odor
As a pet owner, you might not notice the smell, but when you bring in an outsider, you might notice their nose crinkle up in your Back Bay home. If you aren’t sure if there is any odor, ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to give you their honest opinion. Pet odor is a sure sign that a furry resident lives there, and might leave buyers wondering if the smell will linger even after you’ve moved out. In addition to odor, stains are another sign of a furry resident. Rather than mask the smell or cover up a pesky stain with a throw rug, tackle it at its source. Clean and remove pet beds and litter boxes, and give the carpet a good wash to remove odor and stains. Carpet cleaning is a time-consuming job, and requires equipment, but according to HomeAdvisor you can have your carpet professionally cleaned The key is to avoid overloading on air freshener and choose natural, inviting scents.
Pack Away Your Pet…And His Stuff
No, this doesn’t mean you should pack your pet away until you move, but you should have someone you can rely on to care for your pet during showings of your Back Bay condo for sale. There will be some days when you can spend the day with your pet, but if showings are scheduled during work hours or when you have other obligations, you’ll want to phone a friend, drop him off at grandma’s house, or board him. If you are in a pinch you can put your pet in a kennel in a separate room and let the realtor know of course, but relocation is best. Some pets are finicky around strangers, and having your pet in the home undoes all the hard work you did to mask his presence in the first place. In addition to relocating, be sure to pack up all pet-related supplies such as food/water bowls, beds, litter boxes, toys, and photos.
Bottom Line
Putting your home on the market is an exciting step. As you stage your home and prep for that first showing, don’t forget about your pet. Take care of pet damage, odor, and stains before the first showing, and make sure your pet has a place to stay. With these handy tips, those showings will turn into a sale before you know it.
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