Doggie Decorating Do’s and Don’ts

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Doggie Decorating Do’s and Don’ts:
How to make your house, and not your pet, the center of attention.

Dogs making a mess in the house can be comical to watch. My dog, Mia, loves to take out every one of her toys, and just like a child, leaves them out for us to pick up.

Click on this link to view my dog Mia playing with her toys
https://youtu.be/GFYcY2PFj9g


Despite the laughs that dogs can bring us, having your house a mess when you have it up for sale, is not the ideal scenario. Many times, people forget they are selling the house, not the people, pets, or possessions inside of it. So, although you love your dog and all of her possessions, the people buying your house may not. In fact, potential buyers may not be dog or cat lovers, but instead could even be allergic to your furry friends.

So, in order not to turn off any potential buyers, here are some doggie (and cat and any other mammal or reptile) decorating do’s and don’ts to ensure your house shows to its fullest potential.

#1 DON’T Leave Out the Pee Pad


Because of both the sight and the smell, pads with your pet’s dirty business do not project the cleanest, freshest image of your house.
               

 


Instead, DO pick up any remnants of your pet’s personal products.


Nothing takes away from a terrific view than the buyer’s eye being drawn to something dirty and disgusting left on the floor. Instead, keep the focus on the water in your pool, not the pee on the pad.
                              



#2 DON’T Leave Dog Food Out and About


Nothing can take away more from your spotless chef’s kitchen then the dog’s half-eaten food spilled all over the floor.
 
       



DO remove all traces of your dog’s food bowls in order to show who is really supposed to eat in the kitchen.



The beauty of this modern kitchen stands out without the dog’s scattered food and spilled water to detract from it. Who wouldn’t want to whip up a meal in this shiny, spacious kitchen free of doggie leftovers.
       




#3 DON’T Leave Pet Toys Scattered About


 


Leaving your pet’s toys lying about, or even your children’s for that matter, can not only force the buyer to sidestep the clutter, but it can also give the impression of an unkempt, untidy house with a seemingly indifferent homeowner.




DO pick up and put away all signs of your pet’s stuffed toys



The view to this media screen just got clearer without the dog’s toys left lying around. Now the buyer can picture themselves snuggled up on the couch, watching a movie next to a warm fire, instead of worrying about slipping on a slobber-filled chew toy or sitting on a squeaky toy with stuffing falling out.

                                                 


 

#4 DON’T Leave Dog’s Leashes Laying Around

You may have just finished washing and brushing Fido before the buyers arrived, but the dog’s leash, cold-weather sweater, and hair-filled brush give the buyer the impression of a hair-filled home.
                                                       
 


DO Remove and Neatly Store All Your Pet’s Personal Belongings.




By picking up after your pet and neatly hanging collars and leashes, you can make sure your buyer sees your spacious laundry room and not your pet’s personal grooming space.
                                     

Your ultimate goal is to sell your house. Although your pet may be your most beloved possession, buyers may not be dog lovers, cat enthusiasts, or pet aficionados. It is essential that sellers not let their personal preferences override their ultimate goal of selling their house. By removing traces of your pet’s presence, including hair, smells, food, and toys, you will allow buyers to see the house itself without focusing on anything your pet left behind. After all, you’re not selling your pet, you’re selling your house.

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