When advising clients about preparing their home for showings and open houses, I always say to remove all evidence of pets - including the pets themselves. If the pet is locked up in the garage or backyard, those areas will be hard to show, so it's always best to have them off to "visit grandma" or for a ride in the car if possible.
Additionally, while owners may not be able to smell any odors from the litter boxes, pet food or bedding, buyers with sensitive noses may be turned off by these smells. Removing these items is a simple step to take, and well worth the effort. Personally I always find it distracting when I'm viewing a home and see the pet food in the oddest places - like a bathroom counter or bedroom. I love pets - but for showing a home love them hidden!
Well, rules are meant to be broken -- sometimes! Just love these darling arrangements and wouldn't they be a fun centerpiece! Even for an open house!
Creative Concepts and Contracting -- Creative ideas, innovative solutions, professional services. Contact us for ideas on how to prepare your home for a successful sale in 2009. Staging magic our specialty! Margaret Oscilia, Home Stager and Redesign Specialist 503-881-0886
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Having cats or dogs stay with riends realatives or going to board and care is on my list of recommendations. Love your adorable photo!!!
Hey, Margaret. I have to agree and think that it would also be a little stressful for the pet as well. If they don't know you, they normally freak out. Thanks and take care, Jim
these are so cute... I would love to be this creative...
That is about as cute as it gets really.... Keeping the real live four legged friends (and those with more and less legs as well) can definately be a problem for some buyers as well as the animals themselves. While I would never want a pet owner to get rid of their pet to sell their home. They are family members after all. Removing them from the home for showings is an absolute must!
Hi Margaret, I have never seen anything as cute as those flower doggies! There are sure some clever people out there. Along with removing pets during showings, I also think it's important to move the pet food and water bowls to a place other than the kitchen. The laundry room seems to be acceptable. For folks who do not have pets, seeing the food and water bowls in the kitchen can be kind of yucky.
Animals definitely need to be out of the home, along with all evidence of food bowls, water dishes, pet beds and littler boxes .
Margaret: What is going on there in Salem? I totally agree with the whole pet issue. I recently came across a property that had a 3 foot iguana and rabbits, all in the basement. I did not know really how to address the iguana, which was in a huge cage the rabbits were loose in the basement. I felt like I was on Green Acres.
LOVE THESE PHOTOS! Totally agree-- the pets need to be out of the house and yard for showings! I've had buyers looking at a house with a crated dog that barked constantly-- not good for them OR the dog! They spent hardly any time in the house-- couldn't wait to get out.
As a pet owner myself, I know how hard it is to show your home. When selling my house, I was able to take my dog for walks during showings but not everyone has that luxury. I not only didn't want my little darling to ruin a sale but I also was a bit anxious about the stress on her with people coming in and out.
Although as a realtor, I always recommend making the home available all the time, I almost wonder if it would be better to restrict showings to times when the pets can be removed. It seems it would be better to show the home less, but without the pets.
Those flower doggies are too cute! Wouldn't they be cute for a baby shower? I wonder if I could duplicate...now you have inspired me. I will let you know if I succeed.
The arrangements are adorable.
Those are so cute, they look real. Now that's the kind of pet I need, one I just have to water, like chia pet!
Margaret, these are beautiful and being someone that is crafty I think they would definitely be something I would remember about a home or open house. ~ Anne Marie