Nicola Kelland - Animals

I am a pet lover, with 2 small dogs of my own, so I understand that accommodating their needs, alongside that of potential purchasers and salespeople, can sometimes be challenging. Most salespeople, will have a great story to tell, about trying to manage pets alongside viewings. I clearly remember the time when I was doing a midweek, lunch time open home, I opened the front door and in a flash a very excited young Weimaraner dog, escaped out the door and ran up the road. I was then in a major dilemma, leave the house and the potential purchasers arriving and chase after the dog, or hope that it would return on it’s own. Suffice to say, I chose to retrieve the dog first, the thought of the dog being lost, or worse knocked over by car was too hard to bear. Fortunately it had not gone far!

So how do you manage your loved pets and keep them safe, with salespeople coming and going with potential purchasers? Obviously it will depend on your pets, cats are relatively easy, they are either the gregarious type, that love having some extra company, so greet everyone one who comes to the door. Or they are the timid type that run and hide under the bed. But if you beloved cat is not allowed to venture outside, then obviously you are going need to fully brief your salesperson, to ensure that your fur baby does not escape.

Dogs on the other hand can cause a problem, mine bark incessantly if anyone comes to the door, or ventures inside. They would clearly put everyone off from viewing the property. I know that when the time comes to sell my home, that the dogs will need to be out of the house for viewing times. I will either take them with me when I leave, or consider day care for specific days, then the salespeople can have a free reign to take purchasers through. But not all dogs are a problem and I have certainly shown houses to purchasers with a dog or dogs present. If they are the relaxed friendly type, they can certainly make a house feel very welcoming and one particular dog was so delightful with buyers, that they all wanted her included in the sale!

As a pet owner, you will know that pets often create more housework, muddy paws, hair on the carpet and furnishing and sometimes an animal odour. For some purchasers, who are not pet lovers, this can be off putting, so spend some extra time making sure that these issues are taken care of and your house looks and smells clean.

The most important thing is to talk to your salesperson, before you start marketing so you are both clear about how the animals should be managed and decide what will work for you, your fur babies and your agent.