This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Hope Peele of The Peele Group and McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact The Peele Group at 703-244-6115 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: How do I make the home selling process less stressful with pets?
Answer: Selling a home can be a daunting task, especially when you have furry family members. Pets are beloved companions, but they can also present challenges when it comes to showcasing your home to potential buyers. Whether you have a dog, cat, or other furry friend, here are some tips to help you navigate the process of selling your home with pets:
1. Address Pet Odors
Oftentimes odors can be difficult to notice in our own homes. For pet owners, it is always a good idea to ensure your home smells fresh and inviting before going on the market. Deep clean carpets, upholstery, and any areas where pet odors or dander may linger. Consider using pet-specific cleaners and deodorizers to neutralize odors effectively. This will also help alleviate any issues with potential buyers who might be allergic to animals. Our team recommends vinegar or charcoal-based deodorizers to our sellers!
2. Repair Pet Damage
Any pet owner knows that those little cuties can sometimes cause damage to your home, such as scratched floors, chewed moldings, or torn screens. Before listing your home, take the time to repair any pet-related damage to ensure your property looks its best.
3. Maintain Your Yard
A well-maintained yard can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home. Keep your lawn neatly trimmed, remove any pet waste, and repair any wear and tear caused by your pets. Removing visible signs of pet-related items like toys will also help to create a tidy exterior and a positive first impression for potential buyers!
4. Arrange Temporary Relocation
During showings and open houses, consider arranging for your pets to stay elsewhere temporarily. This can minimize distractions and potential allergies for buyers, allowing them to focus on the features of your home without any pet-related interruptions. It will also help to make the process less stressful for your pet — strangers in their home can be confusing! Our team typically recommends that our sellers board their pets, or go out of town with them, for the first weekend their home is active — when it will have the most showings.
5. Neutralize Décor
Finally, while you may love your pet-themed décor, it’s important to remember that not all buyers will share your enthusiasm. Consider removing any décor or pet accessories to appeal to a wider range of buyers. Be sure to clean up toys, and hide food bowls, litter boxes, or any other items that could be distracting to buyers.
Selling a home with pets may require some extra effort, but with careful planning and preparation, you can successfully attract buyers and achieve a smooth transaction. By addressing pet-related concerns proactively and presenting your home in its best possible light, you can increase your chances of selling quickly and for top dollar.
I love supporting the Alexandria community, especially when it’s a great event for families and dogs!
The Peele Group, Hope & Kim Peele, and Nancy Smith, are all longtime Alexandrians with over 30 years of combined real estate experience. When you hire us, you hire our record of success! We are competitive and results focused. Selling your home fast and for top dollar is our top priority. Our team’s listings have sold for an average of 104% of list price, and have an average on-market time of just 11 days. We are proud to work with McEnearney Associates, the Gold Standard in Alexandria Real Estate! Call for a consultation on your home by August 31st and receive $500 towards painting or landscaping when we sell your home for you. See you at Dog Fest!
Hope Peele is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia. She grew up in Old Town and currently lives in Del Ray. As a partner with The Peele Group, Hope is dedicated to guiding her clients successfully through the many-faceted process of buying or selling a home. Contact Hope at 703-244-6115.
If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
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FREE Leadership Sessions will be conducted at the George Mason University –Arlington Campus for High School Latinas. The program runs from Monday 7/15 through Friday 7/19 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM EST each day (1-week).
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Our goal is to equip students with the fundamentals of self-promotion and guide them in shaping their personal brand for future success. What sets this program apart is its integration of self-awareness activities and mentorship by seasoned professionals.
Finding a gift for moms can be difficult. Google “Mother’s Day gifts,” and you’ll scroll through endless lists of beauty products, candles and fuzzy robes. Sure, those are sweet, but sometimes it’s fun to surprise loved ones with something a little more, well, practical!
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Our cleaners will take care of everything, including vacuuming and mopping as well as cleaning and dusting countertops, tables, mirrors, appliances and more. Sinks, toilets, showers and appliance exteriors also get a good scrub.
Plus, when you buy a gift certificate from Well-Paid Maids, you’re supporting a living-wage cleaning company. That means cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour and get access to benefits, like 24 days of PTO and health insurance.
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