Eau De Dog - The New Fall Fragrance?

Here at Goshen Realty Group, we love our four-legged mascots. We've got the bases covered when it comes to pets of both the feline and canine variety. (Our resident dachshund, Missy, is pictured below.) In fact, our brokerage RE/MAX Preferred Partners does a lot of work on behalf of ARRF in Southern Illinois. Check out their website for more info.

There is an old saying in the real estate business that goes "If you can smell it, you can't sell it." Now this doesn't just mean pet odors - but odors of any kind. Everything from smoke to air fresheners, mildew, must, scented candles and even food smells (pleeeaase don't cook fish or garlic the day before a showing) can turn off a buyer. Believe it or not, smells are a reason for a buyer to offer you a lower price for your home.

The problem is, not everyone that is looking to buy a house loves our pets as much as we do. Many buyers that don't have pets of their own notice the slightest "eau de dog" odor the minute they walk in the door, and for some it's a turn-off.

But don't fret! Your dog or cat can co-exist with the for sale sign in your front yard. Just follow a few of these simple tips...

• Don't use too much air freshener. Please don't use a plug-in scent in every room in your house. If you feel the need to use a plug-in type air freshener try a scent like clean linen. Stay away from cinnamon or other scents that are too flowery. To be perfectly honest, you're not fooling anyone - in fact, most buyers wonder what bad smell you're really hiding.

• Febreze is your friend. Offensive odors live on soft surfaces, and odds are you can't smell it. Before your home is shown, take a bottle of Febreze and spray everything down. Make sure to spray carpets, couches, chairs, bedding, curtains - anything that is fabric. Unlike air fresheners, Febreze has a clean laundry type of smell to it, and it's pleasing. It makes your home smell fresh and crisp.

• If you take Fido or Frisky with you for showings, take all of their stuff too. I had a buyer really digging on a house one time only to spot a litter box in the corner of the dining room. Suddenly the whole house smelled like a cat to her. Take toys, litter boxes, food dishes, beds and crates with you when you leave. I know it's a pain, but your house will sell faster because of it.

• Have your carpets, area rugs and window treatments professionally cleaned. Ask your service provider if they can use a solution specifically designed to eliminate odors.

• Do the doo-doo. Take some time to go outside and pick up after your pooch. No one likes to step in a landmine while checking out your backyard.

• Ask your REALTOR. Don't be afraid to ask your agent if they think there is an odor in your home that might turn off buyers. Constructive criticism of any type can help you sell your home.

If you follow a few of these tips, you're sure to eliminate any unpleasant odor a buyer might object to. It's a lot of work for each and every showing, but once you and your best friend are enjoying your new home it will have been worth it. (Plus, you can take some of that extra money you made and buy your pet a sparkly new collar.)