Now before you start throwing out the kids or in-laws, let me explain. Yes, that means you have to bring their suitcases back inside. 🙂

If you’re trying to sell your Fleming Island home and you’re preparing for a showing, you might want to consider getting rid of your pets. Not permanently, just during the showing. Pets can be very distracting to the buyer when they are viewing your home.

Let me give you some examples:

1. I had a listing where the homeowners had 2 dogs, both were boxers. One was just a pup, the other one was pretty old. The pup was put into a cage, but the older one didn’t do well in cages. Normally, there was someone there to take them out for a walk so the buyer could take a look around, but a few times they weren’t there. Boxers are usually pretty good size and I have to admit, and they can be a little intimidating if you’re nervous about dogs. In one case an agent tried to show the house, but was terrified of the older boxer, even though he was very, very gentle and wouldn’t hurt a fly.

**BEWARE** Your dog may be friendly but you may not know how they will react when a stranger comes into your home.

2. One time I was pulling up homes to show a client. I came across one that said in the private remarks :do not open up front bedroom, due to a boa or python (can’t remember which, just know it sounded big and scary) out of cage and roaming in the bedroom. Well, let me be the first person to admit all snakes scare me, even the little green ones who won’t bite, not to mention a boa or python. My buyers felt the same, so we didn’t even put that one on the list. Go ahead, call me wimpy. 🙂

3. I don’t want to leave out our feline friends, but I have to say I’ve never showed a home with cats and been afraid of them. Just afraid I’d accidentally let them out because the showing instructions shouted: DO NOT LET CATS OUT! So, naturally our focus was not to let the cats out.

You must be asking, what should I do? Sometimes it can’t be avoided and the pets have to be there. Here’s a list of suggestions:

1. For dogs, if possible put them in a cage when no one is home.

2. Ask a neighbor who is normally home, if they can remove them during showings.

3. Try to be there for showings and take them for a walk. (If an agent is showing your home)

4. Ask a friend if they could temporarily take your cat , dog or if they’re really brave, your snake. Nope, don’t bother asking me, cos snakes are totally afraid of me.

5. Put them in a room that is safe for them during the day when no one is there. It would be ideal if instead of closing the door, if you could use a gate to keep them in, so the buyers can still take a peak in the room and the doggy doesn’t feel like they are so confined.

In closing, if you can’t make those accommodations, you still need to show your Fleming Island home and your pets are your family, so you just make it work.

To help minimize the inconvenience, make sure the condition of your home looks good and smells good, and is priced competitively, so your days on the market are shorter, which means less showings since it will sell faster.  If you’re thinking about selling and want to know  what your home is worth in today’s market, fill out this FREE Home Evaluation form. Within 24 hours, I’ll send you’re evaluations results via email.