Selling - hide any evidence of pets, fix minor issues?

1122abc

Would appreciate any advice about selling. 

1. Is it worth hiding evidence of pets for viewings? I have a dog and she sheds. I’m allergic to her dander so surfaces/furniture are dusted/vacuumed daily and the floors are vacuumed twice daily and there are air purifiers running for 12 hours a day. Windows are open unless it’s raining. There is no structural damage to the property from the dog. She is bathed twice weekly in antiseptic soap due to a skin issue she has. Overall, this means that there is no strong dog smell in the flat (I am not saying there is zero smell, I have been told by a few visitors who do not like dogs that they haven’t noticed a smell). I don’t know what percentage of buyers are put off by dogs and whether it is worth hiding all evidence - removing a pet toy basket, bedding and photos. 

2. Should I spend time fixing minor issues? Of course I want to sell for the highest price but I need to sell ASAP because I need to move on to a bigger property.

The minor issues are:
- one window does not open, key stuck in the lock 
- gap between flooring and skirting boards in two rooms 
- cracked bottom of skirting in some areas in two rooms 
- kitchen hood crooked and not working properly 

The only major issue with the property was a leaking wet room which has been fully refitted for an astonishing price so I need to save the pennies where I can. 

No cladding or service fee issues. The flat is a 3 double bed 1 reception 2 bath 1000 sqft, over two floors, semi detached Victorian terrace, 50% share of freehold in SW London. 

theartfullodger

Be open & honest:  Why otherwise?

Millsandovis

All relative but I think sorting issues out ensured I got above asking price when I sold. I think anything that looks like it could be because of a bigger issue I.e cracks I’d get fixed. 

Window lock and beading of flooring wouldn’t be that expensive to fix. As long as the place passes the eye test, I’d aim for that 

RelievedSheff

I would hide pet beds and food bowls for the estate agents pictures. Some people won't view a property if they see pets are there.

I wouldn't bother with the other minor stuff. It doesn't seem worth it.

youth_leader

I did wash and hide my cat and dog's feeding bowls, beds, the cat litter tray and I did put my dog in the car (my drive) when I was doing a viewing.

I spent far too much on my house before I sold, if I had my time again I'd leave it.  I even had the dripping tap replaced.

Jemma01

Honestly, it never bothered me, I viewed a house that had a cat walking around the viewing with us, I loved the house and put an offer.

Most important thing is to clean any bowls and get rid of any bad scent in the house (food tends to smell)

Green_hopeful

We took our cats and their things out every time we had a viewing. We had 36 viewings and no sale. So maybe it didn’t make a difference. 

Sapindus

I'm starting to think I should leave my teenager in the car every time I have a viewing.  People seem terrified of him.  I open the windows to let the smell out, and he has even taken to standing to attention next to his desk and saying hello politely when people get to his room, but they still tiptoe in like there's an unexploded bomb, apologising profusely.

I would fix the window lock if possible.  If I was viewing I might suspect that all the windows are getting a bit old if one's got stuck.

Niv

I agree that removing dog evidence for the photos might be a good idea but I have never been to a dog owners house and not detect dog odour so trying to hide that you have a dog will most likely not work and potentially make you come across as deceptive - which is more likely to lose you a sale. 

gwynlas

What attracts viewers is the listing and photographs so declutter and depersonalise, include dog if they are cute looking. Minor jobs should be attended to as left undone people might think they are a signal to bigger problems. Flat is as large as many houses so is area family friendly? Choose EA on quality of listings and experience in selling your type of property. Be clear about share of freehold and how common areas managed.

Albermarle

Sapindus said:

I'm starting to think I should leave my teenager in the car every time I have a viewing.  People seem terrified of him.  I open the windows to let the smell out, and he has even taken to standing to attention next to his desk and saying hello politely when people get to his room, but they still tiptoe in like there's an unexploded bomb, apologising profusely.

I would fix the window lock if possible.  If I was viewing I might suspect that all the windows are getting a bit old if one's got stuck.

What is the likelihood that someone viewing the property, will try and open that particular window?
Plus if someone got a positive feeling from the property, would a stuck window lock really put them off?