Real estate professionals encourage home sellers to relocate their pets during the sales process. While some buyers are afraid of or allergic to certain animals, the biggest deterrents are pet odors. In addition to keeping pets out of the home at least during showings or open houses, sellers should remove animal toys, leashes, food bowls, cat litter and any other signs that a pet occupies the property. According to Dale Stevens of Prudential Connecticut Realty, "A lot of people feel their pets are their children, so it's like asking them to remove their children from the house for a couple of months. It's a tough issue." Agents say the matter is complicated by the fact that homes are taking longer to sell in the current market. Some sellers are going as far as offering a complete professional cleaning prior to the buyers taking up residence in the home.
Hartford Courant (CT) (05/18/08) Stansbury, Robin
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