While some buyers will view it as a massive perk to have a pet-friendly property, others might view it as a potential downside if the property shows signs of a pet’s proclivity for chewing the skirting boards or the failed potty-training efforts.
Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that staging and marketing plays an important role in selling a pet-friendly home. “You want to attract fellow pet lovers, as these kinds of buyers might even be willing to pay more for a pet-friendly property. At the same time, you want to avoid excluding buyers without pets, as they will still make up a large portion of the buyer’s pool. It’s all about getting the balance right,” Goslett recommends.
To help pet owning sellers strike this balance, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares their top tips on how to properly stage and market the home:
- Conduct a deep clean of the property, including all carpets.
- Repaint all interior walls. Not only will this get rid of scuff marks, but it will also leave the home smelling fresh.
- Fix any pet-related damage, like chewed skirting boards or stained carpets.
- Before any viewing appointment, sweep and vacuum and remove pet hair from the furniture.
- Keep the garden well maintained and clean, being sure to remove any pet droppings before viewings and cleaning up any chewy messes that might have been left in the garden.
- Include a cute photo of your pet in the listing photos that showcases how pet-friendly the property can be.
- Let your agent know of all the pet facilities/perks in the area so that it can be included in the listing description of your property.
- Take your pet out with you when buyers come for a viewing appointment. This allows buyers to explore the home free from interruption from an over-excited guard dog. If they happen to catch you leaving with the pet (perhaps take it for a walk), it could again highlight how pet-friendly the area is.
“More and more buyers are actively looking for homes that are pet-friendly. Sellers who work with a real estate agent who knows how to market the home correctly could stand to benefit greatly from this trend. To find out more about the buyer trends that are specific to your area, chat to a local RE/MAX agent for some free advice,” Goslett concludes.
Writer: Kayla Ferguson
