One important and often overlooked factor sellers need to consider is that their pets are most likely going to spend some time alone with their chosen real estate professional.
“Unless sellers are able to take their pets out of the house and along with them when potential buyers come over for viewings, it is inevitable that their real estate agent will have to take on the additional role of pet-sitter for the day, especially if show days are being held.
“Responsible pet owners should therefore make sure that their chosen real estate professional is a pet-friendly person before leaving their pets in their care,” said Adrian Goslett, from RE/MAX.
Arrange a supervised play date
It is always helpful to organise a few introduction visits before you leave your pet alone with a stranger for any period of time.
Arrange for your real estate agent to spend some time in the home while you’re still around. This gives your pet some time to become familiar with your agent, making them less nervous when you finally leave them alone together.
Buy some new toys
To keep your pet distracted, purchase some new play things to keep them happy and occupied while you are away.
It might be helpful to have your real estate agent hand the toys to your pet while you are still around.
This shows your pet that you trust this person, which encourages ol’ fluffy to trust them too.
Take them for a suburb stroll
This can have a dual purpose. Firstly, it helps your pet become comfortable around your agent. Secondly, it allows you an opportunity to highlight some of your current neighbourhood’s best features to your agent, which they can then relay to potential buyers.
Don’t force the connection
The most important thing is to avoid forcing your pet into situations that place it in a position of distress or make it notably uncomfortable. If your pet isn’t comfortable with your real estate professional, then rather arrange to take your pet out with you when you leave for viewings.
“The most important thing is to prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved. A pet in distress can act out of the bounds of its normal behaviour, possibly resulting in physical harm to your estate agent or even a potential buyer. Sellers should keep this in mind before leaving their pet alone while strangers file in and out of their home. If there isn’t a good relationship between your pet and your real estate professional, then it is advisable to either stay behind with your pet or take them with you when you leave.”
