We've just put our house up for sale and have the first viewing tonight! As we have a dog, do you think its best for one of us to take him out so he's out of the way? I know it wouldn't bother me around someone else's house but I know not everything likes animals!!
I don't like dogs that I don't know (friends or family member dogs are usually ok). If it's a small dog (no bigger than a jack russel) I'd probably be ok but to be on the safe side I'd probably make sure the dog was out.
I'd definitely suggest taking the dog out as you don't want to risk putting anyone off buying you house for any reason. You don't know who of your potential buyers might be alergic, nervous or pet unfriendly and its better to be safe than sorry.
I am a dog owner myself. If it was me I would remove the dog and go to great lengths to also remove any doggy odour, food and water bowls, beds and so on. It gies without saying that the garden should be spotless.
The property market is really tough at the mo. Don't make it any harder for yourselves.
Don't worry, the house has been cleaned to within an inch of its life!! He is only a jack russell and very cute and friendly but yes, I was trying to make it easy for whoever comes around. Do you really think we need to remove water bowls etc?
Ye,' shift the lot, some people really don't like dogs, we have 2 big ones, so 2 x big beds, 2 x big bowls etc. When we were selling the whole lot went in the garden shed, except the dogs of course, OH took them down the beach out of the way.
I have had my house on the market since April 2011 and just managed to sell it after reducing the price several times. Final exchange of contracts soon, although I have been told it is not final until the actual exchange, so it could still fall through. Somone said something like it is the worst traumatic experience after bereavement and divorce and I know now that they were right. I am too late for your first viewing but my advice would be to hide everything away including the dog. People want to imagine what their lives would be in your house and do not really want to see your life. I have had a procession of viewers and have thought I have sold it three times. This is the fourth and I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed. Best of luck in your selling. You shoulod go out while they are looking around so that you don't hear any derogatory remarks they make about your beloved house.
Further to my posting above, my daughter is also trying to sell her house. When she has a viewing she puts all the dog's accessories in the back seat of the car and goes out (usually over here) - her husband takes the dog in his van. So no sight of doggies at all.