Selling A Home with A Dog

Hi! My name’s Alanna, and I’m an EveryHome agent. My 10 month-old Goldendoodle, Norman, is the love of my life — but I have to admit that sometimes selling a home with a dog can require a bit of extra attention! Here are three things that I always ask my sellers to consider:

1. Cleaning and deodorizing the home is an important step. Some pups are “hypoallergenic” and fully house-trained….and some aren’t! It might not be a bad idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned especially if your dog is prone to shedding. If Fido ever had an accident or two, be extra sure to spot clean accordingly (I love the two products below).

2. When your home is on the market and ready to be toured by prospective buyers, consider your pup’s temperament, stress level, and the buyers comfort. Some smaller, older dogs are fine to roam through the home as buyers visit, but be sure to consider any potential allergies. If one of the buyers has a serious allergy to pets, your home won’t be making a great first impression. Ultimately, we recommend taking your pup for a walk or on a car ride during showings. I understand this can be a bit of a nuisance (especially for longer showings!) but it usually results in the best showings. If this isn’t possible, some sellers opt to crate their dog.

Norman doesn’t mind a long walk during a showing!

 3. On the Seller’s Property Disclosure, you will be asked to disclose that a dog lives in the home. Most buyers don’t mind this at all, but it’s worth keeping your dog’s area neat and tidy! If your selling a home with a dog that has a ton of toys (like Spoiled Norm), invest in a small bin for their belongings. Similarly, it may be worth stashing their food bowls during any showings or open houses.