Silicon Beach Properties

2 truths face every seller: (1) you need the widest audience of potential buyers to get the best terms; and (2) not everybody is an animal lover.

What?? Not everybody is an animal lover? Who are those people?

They do exist and you don’t want to lose any potential buyers, so here’s your gameplan.

First, make plans to have your animals off-premises for all showings. I’ve toured plenty of properties where the animal is in the garage or in a crate or something similar. It’s a distraction and that’s coming from an animal lover. Don’t do it.

Have a plan for someplace your pet(s) can go during a showing. Lean on your agent to prescreen buyers to minimize showings for unqualified or less than serious buyers, or consider limiting showings to open house blocks of time. Remember, though, that limiting showings might limit buyers, so carefully weigh all the pros and cons.

Second, stash dog beds, litter boxes and other supplies before showings. No need to cue anybody to look for signs of animals to offend themselves.

Third, keep your house free from animal smells and dander that might impact sensitive buyers. Run the vacuum cleaner, wipe down surfaces, etc. Any buyer with serious allergies should be making inquiries ahead of time. Our goal here is to simply avoid raising red flags for animal averse-buyers.

Fourth, repair damage done by your animal(s). We raised a puppy at my house. I know a thing or two about what an energetic pup can do to walls, cabinets and furniture.

Are you thinking about listing with pets? I am very pet-friendly and I speak “pet” fluently with four cats and a dog at home. Let me help you get ready to sell. Ask me for my Seller’s Checklist.

By Tracy Thrower Conyers

Tracy is a realtor specializing in Silicon Beach, with a hyper-emphasis on Venice, Westchester & Manhattan Beach. She is a past practicing attorney & real estate tech founder. Tracy is an early adopter of all things digital and 20-year real estate industry vet. She’s been quoted on topics of Silicon Beach real estate by trusted media outlets including the Los Angeles Times, KCET and The Argonaut.