Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 15, 2017
GET RID OF PET ODORS BEFORE YOU LIST
We all love our pets, but their odors? Not so much. And that goes double if you’re a potential home buyer. If you have pets, here’s how to make sure lingering odors don’t interfere with your home sale:
- Open the windows and bring in some fresh air. Better circulation can do wonders for getting rid of all kinds of stale and musty smells, as well as pet odors.
- Do a thorough cleaning of the walls, floors and trim with cleaners designed to neutralize pet odors. Have carpets, drapes and upholstery cleaned too.
- Carpets badly stained or embedded with odors that just won’t be cleaned away? It may be time to invest in some new carpets and padding. Thoroughly wash floors before installation.
- Seal and paint walls. Not only will it help get rid of any lingering odors, it also makes the whole house look fresher and better cared for.
- Be proactive. Scoop cat litter and vacuum up hair on a daily basis. Keep the area around pet dishes clean, and if you can, take your pets for a drive while your home is being shown, or at least confine them to a room or pet crate during showings.
Not sure if your home has pet odors? Ask your agent to do a sniff test. Sometimes all it takes is a “fresh nose” to give you a new perspective.
