Divorce, Pets, and Real Estate: Navigating Pet-Friendly Home Showings in Twin Cities Listings

Divorce is a challenging experience that involves many decisions, including what to do with beloved pets. For divorcing couples selling a home in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, managing pets during home showings adds another layer of complexity. Ensuring a smooth showing process while keeping pets safe and comfortable is essential for presenting the home in its best light. This blog post will explore practical strategies for handling pets during showings and how to make the home more appealing to potential buyers.

Communicate Openly About Pet Arrangements

The first step in managing pets during home showings is open communication between both parties. Discuss how each of you plans to care for the pets and who will be responsible for them during showings. Establishing a clear plan can help reduce anxiety for both the pets and the individuals involved.

Consider setting a designated schedule for showings, making it easier to coordinate pet care. This might involve agreeing on specific times when one party will take the pets to a trusted friend’s house, a pet daycare, or a local pet sitting facility.

Prepare for Showings: Clean and Declutter

When preparing your home for showings, it's essential to clean and declutter not only for aesthetic appeal but also to ensure a pet-friendly environment. Potential buyers want to envision themselves in the home, and excessive pet hair, odors, or visible pet items can detract from the home’s appeal.

Deep Clean: Schedule a deep cleaning of the home, paying particular attention to areas where pets spend the most time. Carpet cleaning, washing pet bedding, and scrubbing floors can help eliminate odors and allergens.

Remove Pet Items: Temporarily store pet bowls, toys, and crates during showings. While these belongings are an important part of your daily life, they may divert buyers' attention and prevent them from fully appreciating the home's potential.

Minimize Pet-Related Damage: Address any visible wear and tear caused by pets, such as scratched flooring or damaged carpets. Consider making minor repairs or touch-ups to enhance the home's overall appearance and ensure it looks well-maintained.

Create a Pet-Free Zone During Showings

Designating a pet-free zone in the home can help minimize stress during showings. If possible, keep pets in a separate area, such as a bedroom or designated space, away from the main living areas. This not only helps keep pets calm but also allows potential buyers to explore the home without distractions.

If your pets are friendly and at ease, you might create a comfortable space for them in a quiet room with their favorite toys and bedding, or consider kenneling them in their preferred area. However, if your pets tend to be anxious or territorial, it's often best to keep them entirely out of sight during home showings.

Utilize Pet Daycare or Boarding Services

When home showings overlap with your pets' more active hours, it may be beneficial to take advantage of local pet daycare or hourly boarding services. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area offers numerous options for both dogs and cats, providing a safe and comfortable environment for your pets while allowing you to present your home distraction-free.

Local Resources: Explore reputable pet daycare or boarding facilities nearby and familiarize your pets with the space beforehand. Many locations offer flexible hours, making it convenient to drop off and pick up your pets around scheduled showings.

Highlight Pet-Friendly Features of the Home

While managing pets during showings is essential, don’t forget to emphasize the pet-friendly features of the home. Many buyers, especially those with pets, are looking for homes that can accommodate their furry family members. Highlighting these features can help make the property more attractive to potential buyers:

Yard Space: If your home has a fenced yard or ample outdoor space, make sure to showcase this during showings. Consider tidying up the yard, removing pet waste, and ensuring the landscaping is well-kept.

Nearby Amenities: If your home is located near parks, walking trails, or pet-friendly spaces, be sure to highlight these benefits in your listing. Emphasizing community features that appeal to pet owners can help potential buyers picture how the property will complement their lifestyle.

Be Mindful of Allergies and Sensitivities

While pets are often considered family members, it’s essential to be mindful of potential buyers who may have allergies or sensitivities. Ensure the home is free from pet hair and odors, as this can be a significant turnoff for prospective buyers.

Consider using air purifiers before showings to improve indoor air quality and remove allergens. This can help create a more welcoming atmosphere for all potential buyers, regardless of their comfort level with pets.

Selling a home during a divorce is challenging enough without the added complexity of managing pets during showings. By communicating openly, preparing the home, and emphasizing its pet-friendly features, divorcing couples can present their property in the best possible light to potential buyers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

With careful planning and a proactive approach, you can navigate the home showing process with ease while keeping your pets comfortable and well-cared for. If you're looking to sell your home or need expert guidance on the real estate market, consider contacting Shannon Lindstrom, a knowledgeable Realtor® and Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®) who specializes in divorce-related transactions.

Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor®, CDRE®, CRS, GREEN, MILRES, MRP, VCA
RE/MAX Results
7373 Kirkwood Court No, Ste. 300
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Direct: 612-616-9714
Lindstrom_S@msn.com
Shannon@ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstrom.info
www.MNDivorceRealEstateExpert.com
Shannon Lindstrom (ilumniinstitute.com)
www.MinnesotaMilitaryVeteranRealEstateAgent.com