If you’re getting ready to list your home in Acadiana, you probably already have a running list of things to handle before buyers start touring the property.
Decluttering, cleaning, and maybe even touching up the paint are usually at the top of the list. One detail many sellers overlook, though, is how pets can affect the showing process.
Removing Pets During Showings Often Creates a Better Experience
I recently went to a showing where the sellers had placed their dog in a kennel on the back porch. At first, that probably seemed like a reasonable solution. The problem was that the dog barked the entire time we were there.
The buyer I was with became visibly uncomfortable, and it quickly shifted the focus away from the home itself. Instead of noticing the layout and features, there was constant barking in the background, which changed the overall atmosphere of the showing.
Situations like this are easy for sellers to overlook because they’re familiar with their pet’s behavior and noise level. Buyers, though, are walking into the home for the first time, and those first impressions tend to stay with them.
What I Recommend Doing With Pets During Showings
During showings, take pets out of the house entirely if possible. Take some time before listing to explore your options and make a plan.
Some sellers arrange for a neighbor, friend, or family member to watch the pets for a few hours, while others use a local boarding or daycare service while the home is actively being shown.
Along with removing pets from the home, I also suggest putting away visible pet items before buyers arrive. Food bowls, leashes, toys, beds, and litter boxes can distract buyers and shift attention away from the home itself.
Address Pet Odors
Beyond noise and distractions, odors are another issue sellers need to pay close attention to. In my experience, pet smells are often one of the first things buyers notice when they walk into a home.
If you have pets, staying on top of cleaning becomes even more important. Odors can settle into carpets, furniture, rugs, and even walls over time. People who live with those smells every day often stop noticing them, but buyers seeing the home for the first time usually will. For some buyers, that can immediately change their impression of the property.
Because of that, I always recommend cleaning more frequently than usual while your home is on the market. Vacuum often, wash pet beds and blankets regularly, and clean any fabric surfaces your animals spend time on. Litter boxes should stay spotless and out of sight during showings. If your budget allows for it, a professional deep cleaning before listing can be a good investment.
The goal is to create a space where buyers can focus on the home itself without distractions from pet odors or pet-related items. That usually creates a more comfortable overall showing experience for buyers walking through the property.
Avoid Using Heavy Air Fresheners
Another issue I see fairly often is sellers trying to cover pet odors with strong air fresheners. Plug-in scents turned all the way up, multiple candles burning, or sprays used throughout the house can end up drawing more attention to the problem instead of minimizing it.
Most buyers notice strong artificial scents right away. Instead of making the home feel fresher, it can create a distraction.
In most cases, a clean home with fresh air is the better approach. Opening the windows before a showing or keeping scents in the home very light usually creates a more comfortable environment for buyers. If you want to add a subtle scent, use something mild and neutral.
Read also: How Virtual Staging Helps Home Sellers Attract More Buyers
Preparing Your Acadiana Home for a Better Showing Experience
Small details, including pet odors, noise, and visible pet items, can shape a buyer’s first impression of the property. Most of these issues can be addressed ahead of time with a little extra preparation before each showing.
I’ve been one of the top-selling agents in Lafayette over the last several years, and I’ve seen firsthand what separates a smooth sale from a stressful one. If you’re getting ready to list your Acadiana home and want a conversation about how to prep it right, reach out to me for a free home valuation. I’ll walk through everything with you and make sure you’re set up for the best possible outcome.
