DOWN SIZE - GARAGE SALE

Okay,  You have decided to  downsize, you are moving to a new home, where you have less real estate space to store all those items you really don’t use, and those you had totally forgotten about.  Why less real estate space, no other explanation than you are ready to move on to the next stage of your life.  The family has grown up and  left home, and now it is time for you to do less and enjoy more, and you can’t wait.  Smaller home, means nothing more than, less work, and more play time.  YOU EARNED IT.   You may ask, what about those family dinners,  I’m sure your new place will accommodate all your family, in the nice and cozy atmosphere that you have always managed to arrange for special occasions.  The nice thing, is the cleanup won’t take nearly as long, and you will have all that spare time to do all those things you just didn’t have a chance to do when the kids were at home, and all your time and energy was focused on them.So now before you make the move, you have all of those unwanted items to get rid of, you’ve gone through everything, and the TOSS PILE, is just that, get rid of it, and what better way than a Garage Sale.  Why not get together with your neighbors for one last time and have a HUGE BLOCK GARAGE SALE/GOING AWAY PARTYall in one.  Besides by having a Block Garage Sale you know you will get way more traffic and more traffic means more sales.  After the Block Garage Sale – have all the neighbors get together and have a Pot Luck BBQ.  The perfect end to a perfect and successful garage sale.

Garage Sale - Block Party

Some tips on a successful Block Garage Sale.

1. A group sale is better then selling alone.  More stuff draws more traffic
2. Advertise – stick an ad in the newspaper, and get your signs out early.
3. Be prepared.  Be ready to go the night before so that you don’t have to rush around in the morning.
4. Play background music, this will draw your customers in, complete silence can be uncomfortable.  Don’t play offensive music, play something appropriate for your audience, something fun and catchy.
5. Plan you sale layout with customers in mind.  Use marketing tricks to make your customers more likely to purchse your stuff!
6. Price things carefully.
7. Label things well.
8. Be friendly. Greet people as they arrive – chat if they’re chatty.
9. DO NOT  bad-mouth your items.
10. Make it easy for shoppers to test electronic items.  Have an extension cord handy so that people can test them.
11. Be willing to bargain, but be less flexible at the start.
12. Know what your ground rules are  when it comes to bargaining.  Customers will always bargain, they want a deal.
13. Keep a ledger.  Jot down a description of each item and how much you sold it for.
14. DO NOT use a cash box.  Keep your money on you at all times.

 

The whole idea of this garage sale is to get rid of all the stuff you are not moving to your new home.  Your goal is to recycle all those items that are still usefull – TO SOMEONE ELSE.

A successfull garage sale, starts with good organizing, price all your items, this gives the customer an idea of what you want for the item, without a price customers may overlook the item since a offer may offend you.  Display the items so you can encourage customers to come, LOOK, AND BUY.

www.liveinstalbert.com

Additional “Anna’s Advice” Articles…

Additional “Edmonton Realtor – KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles… 

Anna Bayne
Associate | REALTOR®
Your St. Albert Area Specialist! 

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

Pet Purrrfect: The Ultimate Cat-Friendly Interior Design

If you are a cat lover, this cat freindly home might be the closest thing your furry friends can find to Heaven on Earth. Even if you are not as pet-friendly as this design, it is worth appreciating for the way in which it integrates the needs of two species in a single interior layout at vastly different design scales.

This creative set of interior spaces comes complete with everything to high-up cat walks and climbing steps to nooks, crannies and cubbies for lounging cats. An enclosed deck space allows cats to roam outside without wandering off and the custom bathroom clearly has a dedicated cat zone and litter box in mind.

The common spaces such as the living and dining room areas are the most impressive and versatile, encouraging the cats toward maximum interaction with their owners. Like any good design, this is built to scale – one could easily imagine any number of cats from one to dozens residing side-by-side comfortably in this house. One might even imagine they would be just fine taking the place over entirely.

This blog and pictures are not my own…….but i had to share regardless. Please see this actual blog and other great ideas at:

 Doorknob Design Ideas Daily

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

How to interview your agent.

Smart consumers interview potential real estate agents before deciding on which one to hire. Here are 7 of the questions one should consider asking looking to hire an agent.

1. How Long Have You Been in the Business?

There is nothing to say that freshly licensed agents aren’t valuable. Much depends on whether they have access to competent brokers and the level of  training they receive. Newer agents tend to have more time to concentrate on you.  They are excited and motivated to be working with clients. Some agents with 20 years of experience repeat their first year over and over. Don’t base your decision necessarily on age or the number of years in the business.

 2. What is Your Best Marketing Plan or Strategy for My Needs?

As a buyer u should be asking things like:

• How will you search for my new home?
• How many homes will I likely see before I find a home I want to buy?
• Will I be competing against other buyers?
• How do you handle multiple offers?
• Do you present offers yourself?

As a seller, you will need to know:

• Specifically, how will you sell my home?
• What is and do u have a direct mail campaign?
• Where and how often do you advertise?
• Will you show me a sample flyer?
• How do you market me online?
• What else do you offer that maybe other brokerages don’t offer?

3. Will You Please Provide References?

Everybody has references. Even new agents have references from previous employers.

• Ask to see references.
• Ask if any of the individuals providing references are related to the agent.
• Ask if you can call the references with additional questions.

4. What Are the Top Three Things That Separate You From Your Competition?

A good agent won’t hesitate to answer this question and will be ready to fire off why he/she is best suited for the job.

• Assertive
• Excellent negotiators
• Honesty
• Reliable
• Empathetic
• Available by phone or e-mail
• Good communicators
• Friendly
• Analytical
• Able to maintain a good sense of humor under trying circumstances

5.  May I Review Documents Beforehand That I Will Be Asked to Sign?

A sign of a good professional is one who makes forms available to you for preview before you are required to sign them. If at all possible, ask for these documents upfront. If possible the best way is to have them email you what you will need to sign when they arrive and then that way you have read up and understand the forms and are prepared to sign up during the appointment.

As a buyer, ask for copies of the following

• Agency Disclosures
• Buyer Brokerage Agreement
• Purchase Agreement

As a seller, ask to see:

• Agency Disclosure
• Listing Agreement

 6. How Will You Help Me Find Other Professionals?

Let the real estate agent explain to you who they recommend and why. Most agents have a handful of people they can refer out to you. Your agent should be able to supply you with a list of  mortgage specialists, home inspectors and lawyers, moving companies, etc.

7. What Haven’t I Asked You That I Need to Know?

Pay close attention to how the real estate agent answers this question because there is always something you need to know, always. You want an agent to take her time with you — to make sure you feel comfortable and secure with their knowledge and experience. They should know how to listen and how to counsel you, how to ask the right questions to find out what they need to know to better serve you.

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

How to design and or buy a  home in Edmonton with your Pets in Mind

For everyone frustrated with that big clumsy cat tower in the middle of the living room. The big poofy dog bed that is the ugliest design but it was on sale. The dark spots on your light color rug that you just cant get out and keep telling people it is coffee stains! It’s time to face the fact that if a house doesn’t work with dogs, it won’t work with children or guests, either. You can have the beautiful house, and a fur friendly environment too!  Many people ask me how i know all of this….i used to work in the New Home Sales Industry and was well informed on all the products being used in my clients homes…..who knew it would stick after all this time:) I have also built 3 new homes for myself and having had cats and dogs i have experienced most of these issues for myself first hand. You live and you learn…..here is hoping you don’t have to!

Use stain-resistant fabrics. Some people say a leather chair is fine around pets, but beware if you have cats. My dogs are fine on my firm leather couch, but they also only weight 15 lbs combined. Large dogs may tear holes in the leather sofas and chairs if they are allowed up on the furniture. A dog’s nails are blunt instruments compared with those needles at the end of kitty toes. Cats will scratch most any upright surface that lets them dig in. For them, microfiber is the key, with the bonus of feeling as smooth as suede and being extremely moisture- and stain-resistant. Ultra-suede is a a fancy name for a particular microfiber that’s machine washable. It comes in dozens of colors and can be made into pet beds, pillows, and sofa and chair slipcovers. This means you pick which designs and colors compliment you and your decor ideas and dreams.

 Match colors to your pet. Use your pets as design inspiration and see what magic you can create. Start with the pet bed, choosing a black one for your black Lab or a cream-colored one for the Siamese. This way when your pet sheds the fur or hair will blend in and not seem so messy all the time……especially for those of us that were born with the “Neat and Clean Freak” genes. Look at furniture covers and walls for more coordination.

Use washable fabrics on your bed. If you are like me then your fur friends sleep with you. You want to be able to wash the duvet, comforter or bedspread. Some coverlets are surprisingly durable, with tight quilting that resists pet toenail snags and looks good after repeated washings. I like to go for white sheets no matter what as I have an obsession with bleach, but you can use color on top and it can go a long way to brighten a room and disguise pet hair.

Rethink wall-to-wall carpet. It absorbs odors, traps pet hair and soaks up stains. If you must have carpet, choose a low pile and a stain-resistant synthetic fiber. Stay away from continuous loop carpet because pets’ claws can catch in a single loop and easily unravel a wide area.  Hardwood floors are simple to clean and add a warm glow to a room, but large dogs can scratch wood.There are a variety of awesome laminate floors that are more durable and have great wood effects……you would never know. The best floor is easy-to-clean ceramic tile. It’s impervious to claws and gives your pets a cool place to nap during hot weather. Marble, granite and other natural stones are porous even if they’re sealed, and are susceptible to stains.

  Set up an entry space with pets in mind. Make sure they can come back in from outside through an area where you can get the dirt and wet off before they come into the main house. Even a small condo can accommodate a bench with cubbies for towels, leashes and treats. Consider special mats that are very absorbent and will soak up wet feet and mess. I personally don’t have a bench or cubby but hung some hooks on the walls to accommodate leashed and a Norwex pet cloth that hangs from a hook. They are super absorbent and disinfection with no soap or chemicals…….but that is a whole other story!

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Pet Friendly Real Estate Specialist

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

Duke And Duchess Animal Rescue Society

 DDARS is an Edmonton based animal rescue that began its operations on November 12th 2008.

DDARS is a non-profit charitable organization based in Edmonton. Their Alberta license number is #324706.

 What does DDARS do?

• Rescue abandoned, stray and homeless dogs and find them loving forever homes.
• Spay/neuter and provide veterinary medical care to rescues.
• Socialize and rehabilitate rescues in loving foster homes while awaiting adoption.
• Educate the public on the importance of spaying/neutering and proper animal care.

To date DDARS has rescued 245 dogs. 

Interested in Adoption?

The adoption fee is $280 which includes — deworming, vaccinations up to date and spaying/neutering. If you would like to learn about the adoption procedure and meet one of the many special friends in person please call

Justine at 780-222-3969 or Natalie at 780-221-9669

All the dogs go to pre screened homes. Just because there is an application in does not guarantee you the animal. Each animal is places in the RIGHT home and situtation in help ensure that the animal is not returned or discarded of due to issues that can be seen from the start. And if for any reason a family was unable to keep thier adopted DDARS dog they ask that the animals be returned to DDARS and no where else. Once a DDARS Dog always a DDARS DOG:)

                                                        Interested in Fostering?

DDARS is always in need of more foster homes where rescues can stay until a suitable forever home is found. There are always dogs that need to be rescued but they can only take as many as they have foster homes for. DDARS supplies foster families with Food, bowls, collars, leashes, beds and blankets, treats, crates and veterinary care for all their rescues in foster care. All you need to provide is the love, attention and a warm place to sleep.

What You Can Donate?

DDARS receives no government or other institutional financial assistance. They  rely 100% on donations. All money raised goes directly to caring for the dogs.

The largest burden by far is medical costs – vaccines, medications, spaying/neutering, surgeries and veterinary treatments. Many of the animals rescued need treatment for injuries and illness. Adoption fees seldom cover the costs of caring for rescued animals while in their care.

They also accept donations anything animal related. Things like crates and beds can add up so they r always appreciated. Along with food. The girls at DDARS dump around 1000-1200lbs of food every week at First Nation Communities to feed the starving stray animals. They also are sure to make regular trip to a specific dump to feed the stray dogs out there as well. So FOOD is always needed and always greatly appreciated:)

Check them out at www.ddars.com and on Facebook and Twitter!

Additional articles on our “furry” friends…

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist
Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

Virtual Staging to the rescue!!

KENNEDY Real Estate is proud to introduce virtual staging to the Edmonton Marketplace! Virtual staging is more common place south of the border and in other centres such as Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto. And now KENNEDY Real Estate is bringing this most awesome miracle for selling vacant homes to Edmonton!

What is Virtual Staging?

Virtual staging uses 3D rendering technologies to take a photo of an empty room and then fill it with up to date designer inspired furniture and accessories. We can add couches, lamps, rugs, T.V.’s, drapes and a whole host of other items to enhance the space.

With Virtual Staging you will save hundreds (or thousands) over traditional staging methods. In addition you avoid the hassle of moving furniture in and out of the home. Virtual Staging allows interested buyers to see the potential of your home using digital imagery.

How does Virtual Staging help sell my vacant property?

It creates the lived in look for the buyer. The designer options for furniture style and arrangements. Creates interest, retains interest and it gives the buyer something to remember your property by – other than blank walls and rooms.

Who should use Virtual Staging?

PROPERTY OWNERS with little or no furniture. Or it can be used for outside patio shots – to fill a  deck/yard/patio with awesome eye catching patio furniture and outside  entertaining arrangements. Great for BUILDERS with multiple floor plans and only one showsuite! Condos, single family homes, spec homes, vacation homes, cottages etc.

How much does Virtual Staging cost?

Virtual Staging – up to three rooms comes FREE with our Golden Delicious Listing Package!

See it in action! Have a look at one of our most recent interactive listings that we have virtually staged (four rooms).

BONUS:

KENNEDY Real Estate also offers: Styledesigner option for all of our listings!

What is Styledesigner?

Styledesigner is an interactive model that allows buyers to actually change the way your property looks on line to meet their personal taste with the click of a mouse. Allowing the buyer to take “psychological ownership’.

This in an innovative approach to marketing online, buyers are sure to make your property their ‘dream home’.

Who should use Styledesigner?

Style Designer is very adaptable to just about any property that could use a few different updates: flooring, paint, paint on walls , trim and kitchen cabinets. SO – instead of deliberating on actually doing those reno’s – Styledesigner does it for you – and the buyer alike. NOW the buyer can pick their own wall, trim and kitchen cabinet colour as well as choose from many different carpet, hardwood flooring options.

How does Styledesigner help sell my house?

This interactive design option allows the buyer to ACTUALLY see the reno’d potential in your home right at their finger tips. It helps retain the listing value in your home. In addition it keeps the buyer engaged with your property longer – and that gives you a better chance of more showings which lead to OFFERS.

How much does it cost?

Styledesigner comes FREE with our Royal Gala Listing Package!

See it in action! One of our latest listings that we used Style Designer on (2 rooms) SOLD in less than a week. Well, it also had stellar photography too!

Additional “Edmonton Home Stager” Articles…

 Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

There is much change going on in the real estate industry. At KENNEDY Real Estate we are answering the call by providing value for service. We have three levels of service and three additional specials.

Our listing packages range for every type of property and budget. All listing packages come with a high standard of service and product. The choice is yours (or your property’s) as to how much service you require. We trust that the following will give you a good idea of how KENNEDY Real Estate produces the best crop of listings. We treat every property like a piece of art!

Listing Packages:

The Spartan Listing Package

1. 20 professional listing pictures inside and out

2. choice of one of our free promo’s

3. blog posts and social media feeds: twitter, facebook,you tube, kijiji, zoocasa, as well as several other referring sites

4. Your property will have its own website address: www.13lessardvillage.com

5. Website and MLS listing feeds

6. In home detailing to prepare for professional photography

7. flyer drop to the community

8. Negotiating and coordinating all sale documents to lawyer and mortgage brokers

The Royal Gala Listing Package

1. 20 professional listing pictures inside and out

2. choice of one of our free promo’s

3. blog posts and social media feeds: twitter, facebook,you tube, kijiji, zoocasa, as well as several other referring sites

4.  Your property will have its own website address: www.13lessardvillage.com

5. Website and MLS listing feeds

6. Up to 3 rooms with the Styledesigner Option

7. 2 flyer drops to the community

7. In home detailing staging (home staging with your furniture and accessories)

8. Negotiating and coordinating all sale documents to lawyer and mortgage brokers

The Golden Delicious Listing Package

1. 20 professional listing pictures inside and out with up to 3 Panoramic shots

2. choice of one of our free promo’s

3. blog posts and social media feeds: twitter, facebook,you tube, kijiji, zoocasa, as well as several other referring sites

4. Your property will have its own website address: www.13lessardvillage.com

5. Website and MLS listing feeds

6. Up to 3 rooms with the Styledesigner Option

7. Up to 3 rooms with virtual staging

6. 2 flyer drop to community

7. Open house(s) as necessary

8. Facebook advertising

9. In home detailing (home staging with your furniture and accessories) and we will bring in any necessary lighting that is needed

10. Negotiating and coordinating all sale documents to lawyer and mortgage brokers

Specials:

1. The Granny Smith Seniors Special: special rate(s) for any of the above for our seniors!
2. The Macintosh First Time Home Seller’s Package: special rate(s) for any of the above for our first time home sellers!
3. Builder’s Harvest Special: custom pricing depending on type and scope of properties listed.

To see which package is right for you, call today for a free market and home staging consultation! And let’s get you on your way to a great sale!

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

The Single Woman Home Buyer

Record numbers of single women are buying homes. If you’re a single woman who wants to own their own home. The good news is the market is wide open for you.

 Top Three Reasons Unmarried / Single Women Buy a Home

1. Strong desire to own her own home.
2. Need more space or want smaller home.
3. Relocate closer to job, school or family.

Real Women Who Buy Real Homes

Women home buyers come in all sizes, shapes and ages. They are divorced, never married, separated, widowed; some have children, others live with friends or partners and many live alone. Why pay rent when the average Single Professional woman can afford to own?

Trends for Single Women Home Buyers

• 3 out of 4 women spend  $250,000 or less.
• Prefer 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms or more.
• More likely to choose new construction.
• Buy in city over suburban areas.
• Will compromise size & cost to get other amenities.
• Will not compromise on location or quality of neighborhood.
• Prefer condominiums with well run condo boards and home owner associations over single family homes.
• Smaller spaces are acceptable.
• Desire security and / or gated access.
• Like to engage in social interaction with neighbors.
• Want close proximity to stores, shopping and fitness centers.

With today’s market prices and low interest rates it is a great time to invest in your own home and investment homes if you are able to. Owning your own home not only gives you some security, it gives you equity and allows you to decorate how you wish with paint and wall paper. You can hang pictures and put holes in the walls and not worry about losing your heft damage deposit:)

Robyn Fisher

Associate | REALTOR®

Your Ellerslie/Summerside Area Specialist

Search Homes for Sale in Summerside

KENNEDY Real Estate

8 tips to buying a home that you and your pets will Love.

Most pet owners treat their pets like children. Many who feel that way have chosen to delay parenthood or simply not to have children. When a pet lover is looking to purchase a new home it can be chaos. Like parents who research the best school districts when considering neighborhoods in which to shop for a home, home buyers with pets have specific requirements, too.

 Here are a few tips to help with the elimination process and to help put you in the right place for you and your pet.

 1) City Code Restrictions.

 Many cities restrict the number and types of pets allowed within city limits. In Edmonton you are allowed to have three pets registered to one home at any given time. All pets must be registered and licensed otherwise you can find yourself facing a small fine.

2)  Read Home Owner Association / Condo Documents carefully.

Not every HOA/ Condo allows pets. And if they do there may be a restriction to the size/ height/ Type and numbers of pets allowed. Many HOAs strictly enforce their bylaws. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking the bylaws won’t apply to you because the HOA won’t enforce its own rules, or may never know you snuck that little kitty into the building. Many homeowner association carry severe penalties for those who violate their HOA regulations. Not only that but wouldn’t you just feel awful if you got busted and had to get rid of your pet?

3) Consider the Home’s Features

Things such as the type of flooring in the home. Most pet owners prefer laminate over hardwood as it is more durable when you have pets running around on it. It is also easier to keep clean. Perhaps an outdoor faucet is important for bathing your dog? If so, check to make sure the home has exterior faucets; it’s an easy thing to overlook. Most home these days come with one at the front and one at the back. But double check. And what about the winter months when you cant bath your pet outside? Is there a tub or shower you can get your pet into in order to give them a bath?

4) Home Floor Plan

Aging pets might have trouble climbing stairs, so for some home buyers with senior pets, a single-story home is ideal. Cats like windows, and those with window ledges or low to the ground are purrrrrrrfect!. Plenty of closet space for storing pet supplies? Your cat will appreciate a private place for a litter box, and you may prefer to keep the cat box out of sight. Pets love to run and chase each other in circles. Does this home allow a race around the house?

 5) Street Traffic

Sometimes, even the most well behaved dogs bolt when the front door is opened. Cats are inquisitive, and a curious cat can find a way to push open a screen door to get outside. In an unfamiliar surrounding, pets can dart into the street. To prevent tragedy, it’s better to pass on buying a home that is located on or near a busy street or intersection.

6)  The Yard

Something to also look at is the exterior and the space of the yard. Is it fenced so your furry friend cant escape? Is there enough room for your pet to play and use the washroom? Ensure there are no holes or lose boards for your pet to escape through. Also that there is nothing in the yard that can injure or harm your pet.

7) Is it a Pet Friendly Neighborhood?

Drive around the area to see if you can spot neighbors outside walking their dogs or notice cats sleeping in sunny windows. Look for community-placed receptacles for your poop bags when walking your pet. Consider an area or building close to a great dog park for you and your pet to enjoy.

8) Pet Services

It doesn’t hurt if your new home is within close proximity to pet services such as:

• Pet food store
• Veterinary clinic
• Doggie day care center
• Pet sitter
• Groomer

 As these are not necessities for most people they are a bonus:)

Robyn Fisher
Associate | REALTOR®
Your Pet Friendly Real Estate Specialist

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager
Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

How to Sell when you have pets

Almost everybody loves pets except the home buyer who is buying your house. We home sellers love our pets and therefore have a hard time understanding why others don’t. So, while this might be a bitter pill to swallow, if you want to sell your home for the best dollar then read these tips carefully:

Why Home Buyers viewing your home don’t like Your Pet? 

• Nervousness. Pets make some people very uncomfortable. Not everybody grew up with a family pet.
• Fear. It’s not only dogs that instill fear in people. Some are scared of cats and others small creatures. Most people are scared of the unknown.

#1    Relocate your pets while your home is on the market.

Putting them in the back yard, in the garage or in another room that you keep locked is insufficient, and it’s not fair to them. You need to remove them from the house.

Let a friend or relative care for them.

Board them at a kennel.

This is not the norm or ideal for most people so of course there are more solutions:)

# 2   Overcoming Negatives Associated with Your Pet

Cat Litter Boxes & Dog Pee Pads.  Keep them out of sight and impeccably clean. Nothing turns off buyers faster than opening the door to the laundry room and being greeted by a full or stinky cat box.

Carpet & Floor Pet Stains.  Hire professionals to remove the stains. Buyers will spot them and form unfavorable opinions about the rest of the house. If the stains can’t be removed, then remove the floor covering and replace it.

Pet Odors and Smells. Cat urine and dog urine are terrible. It is a hard smell to disguise so make sure you clean up all spots and sift or empty the litter box before a viewing. A light air freshener is ok, but some people may find the smell offensive or have an allergy to it. Thinks to think of are boiling cinnamon sticks in water to fill the air, or making a fresh pot of coffee, and even lemon. Fresh and simple.

# 3   When you have a Showing on Your House:

Put your pets into a carrier and attach a note simply asking buyers to not disturb your pet. Last thing you need is them getting your pet all excited and sticking their fingers in the carrier. You can’t predict how your pet will react when locked up and alone.

Best solution would be to take your pet with you the day you have a viewing or drop it off for puppy daycare for a fun day of socialization and fun.

Robyn Fisher

Associate | REALTOR®

 Your Pet Friendly Real Estate Specialist

KENNEDY Real Estate