The Dog Days of Real Estate

When the weather gets to be this hot, it is in human nature to slow down a bit and do a little less. If you're preparing to sell your home, however, now is not the time to become complacent. Today's home buyers are more savvy than ever. Every little "tweak" you can make to your property to bring it as close as possible to showplace condition will surely pay concrete dividends in the end. This includes dealing with your pets, their belongings and any evidence thereof.

Although it may be hard for a pet lover to comprehend, not everybody may be as enthusiastic about Rex or Fluffy as you are. In preparation for showings, be sure to:

• De-fur your home. A good cleaning to remove pet hair and dander from all surfaces is absolutely necessary.

• Check home for smells, stains and pet damage. Many pet stores sell special stain detecting lights. If your nose is desensitized, invite a friend over to give a sniff. You may be surprised what you get used to after years of living with dogs and/or cats. Clean smelling is great; heavy perfumes not so as one may wonder what you are trying to cover up.

• Examine yard and clean up any messes. If you have time, spot-treating urine burns on grass with the right quick growing product will make your lawn much more presentable.

• Immediately before showings, consolidate all pet beds, bowls, blankets and supplies and store out of view.

From you pet's perspective, a potential buyer and their agent will be complete strangers. Since a barking, guarding or frightened animal will certainly make a negative impact (and could be dangerous and unpredictable), whenever possible make plans to take your pets out of the home for all showings. If you cannot, nominate a trusted relative or friend to take Fido or Fifi for a few hours. In doing so, prospective buyers truly get to see, smell and experience the best of your home without any distractions.