Navigating Home Showings: What to Do with Your Dog

When you're selling your home, one of the key steps in the process is hosting showings for potential buyers. If you're a pet owner, especially a dog owner, you might find yourself wondering how best to handle these showings and what to do with your furry friend during them. Here's what you need to know to make the process as smooth as possible.

Understanding the Showing Process

Showings are scheduled visits where potential buyers come to view your home in person. These visits can vary in length and are usually arranged by your real estate agent. It's important to make your home as welcoming and neutral as possible, allowing buyers to envision themselves living there.

During showings, you’ll want to depersonalize your space and ensure it’s clean and tidy. This includes making arrangements for your pets, as not every buyer may be comfortable or familiar with animals.

Why It's Best to Relocate Your Dog

While some buyers may love dogs, others might have allergies or a fear of them. Additionally, your dog might be curious or anxious about strangers entering their territory, which could lead to barking or unwanted interactions. To present your home in the best light, it's often recommended to relocate your dog during showings.

Temporary Relocation Options

• Take your dog for a walk: If your schedule allows, take your dog for a walk or a visit to a nearby park. Towns like Brainerd or Baxter offer plenty of outdoor spaces to explore.
• Visit a friend or family member: If you have friends or family nearby, consider asking them to watch your dog for a few hours.
• Use a pet daycare service: Many areas have pet daycare services that offer short-term stays, allowing your dog to play and socialize while your home is being shown.

Preparing Your Home for Showings

When preparing your home for a showing, consider these additional steps to minimize the presence of your pet:

• Remove pet items: Store away dog toys, bowls, and beds to keep the home looking as neutral as possible.
• Clean thoroughly: Vacuum and clean any areas where your dog spends a lot of time to remove fur and odors.
• Repair any pet damage: Address any scratches, stains, or other signs of pet wear and tear.

Communicate with Your Agent

Keep in close contact with your real estate agent to manage showing schedules. They can provide advance notice of showings, giving you ample time to prepare and make arrangements for your dog. Your agent can also offer additional advice tailored to your specific situation and location.

The showing process can be a busy time, but with a little planning, you can ensure it goes smoothly for both you and your dog. If you have questions about preparing your home for showings, feel free to ask.