Keeping Pets From Presenting a Selling Problem

I think the key in this situation, as in many with pets, is to remember that nobody loves your puss or pooch as much as you do!"Dale Stevens, an associate with Prudential Connecticut Realty in Enfield, Conn., has been bitten by dogs and assaulted by parakeets, but her worst experience came as a result of a cat sleeping in a chair: Her client, terrified of cats, took one look at the snoring feline and walked away from the deal. If your sellers have pets at the home, here are some suggestions from Stevens and other Connecticut practitioners for managing the potential problem.

Clear up allergy conflicts. Make it clear in the listing that a pet lives in the home to avoid any problem with potential buyers who have allergies.
Get rid of smells. Minimize odors by removing litter boxes and thoroughly vacuuming up dog and cat hair.
Move the dog out. Ask the sellers to relocate their pets during the selling process. Moving the animal to the home of a friend or relative is the best solution.
Next best: to the basement. If the pet can’t be moved, then suggest that they confine the animal to the basement or the garage.
No pets at showings. Insist the sellers take the pet with them during open houses and showings.
Offer to pay for cleaning. Tell sellers you'll give them a credit at closing to pay for having the house thoroughly cleaned by a professional to get rid of any lingering pet odors and hair.
Hide the evidence. Remove evidence of the pet, like pet toys, feeding dishes and photos, which can distract potential buyers who don't like the idea of animals living in the house."

For the Realtor magzine online article: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008052004?OpenDocument