Musings from You and Me

Showing Homes with Pets

I am an animal lover. I have 3 dogs, (Guido, Otis and Oscar), and 1 cat (Ditty). Yes, their names spell the acronym GOOD! Guido by far is the most rambunctious of the lot. He is a Springer Spaniel, who as my neighbor has said "is so inbred he has no good sense left". He is loved by the other mutts in the house, and us though.

Last year my family moved, we actually lived the pain my clients feel. Strangers coming through the house, on relatively little notice. The house looked very tidy and well organized (truly staged). We can't live like that all the time, that is for certain. For every showing we removed the dogs from the house, what a hassle it was for my husband. Packing the dogs into his truck for an hour or so jaunt to nowhere. Drool and nose prints on his windows, paw prints on his seats, and excited doggies going on a great adventure, they thought!

Showing homes daily, I have run into all kinds of dogs. Some where I am amazed we were able to get through the showing with no one hurt. Others where the dog becomes such the center of attention that no one notices the house that is for sale- we all want the dog! The least favorite is the homes where the animal is obviously struggling with going outside for potty time.

A Realtor advises clients on many different matters in getting a house sold. One should be what to do with the family pet while the home is being shown to strangers (that is how the dog views, potential purchasers). There are legal liabilities if something should happen in the home while it is being shown.

Crating the dog can be a perfect alternative, since whether it is overly friendly, or not really trustworthy with strangers, the house becomes the focal point. Purchasers can envision their family at home here, while imagining how their belongings will look arranged in the house, while all are safe and secure.

The exception to this is a growling, barking crated dog. No one feels comfortable, and the aura of the house is tainted with stress. Best of all is taking the dog for a walk, or drive while the house is shown.

posted by FineVirginiaLiving.com @ 10:18 AM