Top Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home with Pets

Pets are part of the family—but when it’s time to sell your home, their presence can unintentionally turn off potential buyers. In the Palm Coast real estate market, homes are selling fast—but listings that appear cluttered, smell of pets, or show signs of damage may linger longer than others. Whether you have a dog, cat, or something more exotic, presenting a clean, welcoming space is crucial to attracting top offers.

If you’re preparing to list one of the many Palm Coast homes for sale, here are the top mistakes to avoid when selling a home with pets—and what you can do to get your home market-ready.

1. Ignoring Pet Odors

Smell is one of the first things buyers notice when walking into a home—and pet odors can be a major red flag. Lingering smells from litter boxes, carpets, or furniture can signal poor maintenance and leave a negative first impression.

How to avoid it:

• Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery

• Use air purifiers or odor-neutralizing sprays (skip heavy perfumes)

• Wash pet bedding and vacuum regularly

• Consider professional cleaning before listing

2. Leaving Pet Items in Every Room

While you may love your pet’s toy collection or scratching post, buyers need to imagine themselves in the space—not your pets. Cluttered areas filled with bowls, crates, and toys can be distracting and shrink the visual appeal of your rooms.

How to avoid it:

• Remove food bowls, litter boxes, and beds during showings

• Keep toys and crates in one contained area

• Store excess items off-site or in hidden storage when staging

3. Letting Pets Stay During Showings

Even the friendliest pets can become anxious around strangers—or make visitors uncomfortable. Not all buyers are pet lovers, and having animals on-site can be a dealbreaker, especially for those with allergies or fears.

How to avoid it:

• Arrange for pets to be out of the house during showings

• Use a pet sitter, take them for a walk, or consider daycare

• Never leave pets confined in small rooms or garages during showings

4. Overlooking Damage or Wear and Tear

From scratched floors to chewed trim, even minor damage can cause concern for buyers—especially in Palm Coast luxury homes or newly renovated listings. Buyers may see it as a sign that other maintenance has been neglected.

How to avoid it:

• Repair scratched doors, trim, or torn screens

• Replace or steam-clean damaged carpets

• Touch up paint and fix fencing or pet-related yard damage

5. Skipping Outdoor Clean-Up

Your backyard may be your pet’s paradise, but buyers are looking for clean, usable outdoor space. Pet waste, patchy grass, or torn-up landscaping can hurt your curb appeal and reduce the perceived value of your home.

How to avoid it:

• Clean up pet waste regularly

• Repair any digging damage or worn grass

• Store outdoor pet equipment neatly or out of sight

Bottom Line

Selling a home with pets doesn’t mean hiding your furry friends—it means preparing your space so buyers can see its full potential. With a little planning, cleaning, and staging, you can present a pet-friendly home that still appeals to a broad range of buyers.

As a Florida Realtor and pet-friendly specialist, I understand the unique challenges of showing homes with pets. From Crescent Beach homes to waterfront homes in Palm Coast, I’m here to help you highlight your property’s best features—without letting pet ownership hold you back.