Selling a home can be stressful and you're not the only one feeling the anxiety. Your pets can be affected too. Animals are very sensitive to subtle changes in our behavior and habits. If you don't believe me, just watch the family dog when you put on your sneakers by the back door. Walk, anyone? While the beta-fish probably won't care who is in your home, don't count on Fido having the same reaction. What will Fido's reaction be? Will he happily rush to greet visitors, knocking your potential buyer to the floor with enthusiasm, or could he show signs of more aggressive behavior? Will you know if you're not there?
When you list your property with a real estate agent, you won't be around when your property is shown. There may be a lock box on your door, allowing agents and their buyers to gain access to your property at all times of the day. Fido, who normally sleeps on the couch (we all know that's where he goes as soon as you leave) may need to be confined to another room every day, just in case. Worse yet, what happens if an agent comes unannounced and Fido goes berserk?
One of my dearest friends is "mom" to not one, but four German Shepherds. While they act very obediently when she is around, you couldn't pay me to venture into her home or back yard alone if she was not with me. What would a potential buyer do under that circumstance?
Dogs aren't the only ones who can act out during stressful times. Cats are notorious for making a run for a dark spot in which to hide when feeling threatened. Imagine Fluffy, alone under the bed after the real estate agent accidentally closes her in the room for the entire day, away from food, water and, well....you get the idea.
When you choose to sell by owner, you are not only making the selling process easier on yourself, but on your family members too, whether you have young children or pets. Knowing when potential buyers are coming to your home gives you time to plan for alternative pet care, or to move a pet into a more confined area for their own safety and that of your visitors. Maybe Fido will even get a well-deserved walk in the park with your teenager, blissfully unaware of the intrusion that took place during his normal afternoon nap time on the couch.
When you list your property with a real estate agent, you won't be around when your property is shown. There may be a lock box on your door, allowing agents and their buyers to gain access to your property at all times of the day. Fido, who normally sleeps on the couch (we all know that's where he goes as soon as you leave) may need to be confined to another room every day, just in case. Worse yet, what happens if an agent comes unannounced and Fido goes berserk?
One of my dearest friends is "mom" to not one, but four German Shepherds. While they act very obediently when she is around, you couldn't pay me to venture into her home or back yard alone if she was not with me. What would a potential buyer do under that circumstance?
Dogs aren't the only ones who can act out during stressful times. Cats are notorious for making a run for a dark spot in which to hide when feeling threatened. Imagine Fluffy, alone under the bed after the real estate agent accidentally closes her in the room for the entire day, away from food, water and, well....you get the idea.
When you choose to sell by owner, you are not only making the selling process easier on yourself, but on your family members too, whether you have young children or pets. Knowing when potential buyers are coming to your home gives you time to plan for alternative pet care, or to move a pet into a more confined area for their own safety and that of your visitors. Maybe Fido will even get a well-deserved walk in the park with your teenager, blissfully unaware of the intrusion that took place during his normal afternoon nap time on the couch.
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