Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/819621
Relocate pets. If your dog or cat has a best friend it can stay with while you're selling your home (and you can stand to be separated from your pet), consider sending your pet on a temporary vacation. If pets have to stay, remove them from the house for showings and put away their dishes, towels, and toys. This will accomplish two goals: 1) Some buyers may be viewing homes with children who are frightened of pets 2) If your pet has a distinct smell attached to them (we can't bathe our furry friends every week) then by removing the pet you are also removing some of the smell. The goal is to keep potential buyers in your home for as long as possible so that they can begin to envision themselves living in the space; imaging where their furniture will fit, dreaming of cooking in the kitchen, planning that Super Bowl party in the open living room, etc. If the home emits a foul pet odor they will be far less likely to spend time in the home dreaming, and thus less likely to purchase. Once your house is free of pet odors, do what you can to keep the smells from returning. Crate your dog when you're out or keep them outdoors. Limit the cat to one floor or room, if possible. Remove or replace pet bedding. Yes, pet odors can derail your home sale, but with a real honest look (smell) and a bit of advanced preparation you can solve the problem before it becomes insurmountable and thwarts the sale.