Buying and Selling with pets
If you have bought or sold a home in the past, you know it can be stressful. Even the smoothest transactions have a headache moment that sends stress levels soaring. It is no different for your pet. As a Realtor it is my priority to minimize surprises for the entire family. That includes making things safe and easy for your pets, too.
Removing the pet from the home while it is on the market is ideal; however, this is not always possible. The tips below will keep you, your potential buyers, and your pet safe throughout the process.
Establish a Safe Zone for your pets. Consider using the garage, mudroom, fenced outdoor area, or a large walk-in closet with ventilation. Sometimes, a pet crate may be the best solution. Work with your Realtor to ensure that everyone understands where the safe zone is, and how to work with it effectively. You can post a photo of the “off limits” space on the closed door so that buyers can “see” the room.
Provide your pet with food, water, toys, and a bed to make them as comfortable as possible. If you have a cat, move the litter box into that room, too. In my experience, light music masks outside noise that might startle your pet and provides a soothing background noise for your companion.
When a separate part of the home is not available, work with your Realtor to establish what times buyers can walk through the home while you and your pets are off site. Consider hiring a dog walker or use a pet daycare several days each week so that your Realtor can show your home to its best potential.
Once sold, the home inspector and buyers need access to every area of the property during the inspection. This includes areas that have been designated for your pet’s safekeeping. Your Realtor will work with you to establish dates and times that your family can easily remove the pet, and then communicate the information to the buyer’s agent.
As settlement date approaches, prepare your pet for the move. The most common time that pets get loose during the purchase or sale of a home is on moving day. Doors are kept open and there are more people than usual going in and out of the home. The suggestions below are the same for buyers and sellers.
Organize your pet’s belongings into one or two boxes that are well marked and easy to access. This makes it easy to establish a safe zone in the new home that is away from the activities taking place in the rest of the home.
Create a ‘Go Bag’ for your pet for long road trips or to have “just in case”. The Go Bag should have food, a few toys, and any medications that your pet needs daily. If your pet is chipped, contact your provider to update your contact information and instructions.
Make it a priority to establish a Safe Zone in the new home. An empty bedroom or bathroom that can be closed and secured with your pet’s belongings will provide a quiet space for your pet to begin adjusting to a new environment. Put a sign on the door to alert movers, friends, or family to keep that door closed.
If there is no room to use for the pet Safe Zone, consider a daycare service or leaving the pet with a trusted family member or friend to keep the pet in their home during the busiest parts of moving day. This will ensure your pet’s safety.
We know pets are part of the family. That is why Nest Realty Realtors consider their safety and well-being in our comprehensive plan to help you buy or sell your home.