Do you have pets? If you do, you know they are family members and have a say in what goes on in their home, who comes into it, and what they do there. Our pets are in our homes more often than we are, usually … they don’t leave in the morning to go to the office, they don’t head out on a Saturday night to Outback, they are there, just about all the time, and may even have more of a claim to the place than we do! (Well, except for the whole not-paying-bills-and-getting-lots-of-treats thing )

When you put your home on the market, be sure your agent knows how much you value your pets, and how to make sure they are safe when showing your home. Your agent can add this information directly to your MLS listing, so that other agents see it before they bring potential buyers to your home. I have seen notes like “CAT AT HOME make sure he does not get out!” and “Yorkie named Ted gated in the kitchen, please do not let him roam outside of the kitchen.”

Also, keep in mind that you will not be home during your open house. At that time, it’s best if you can take your pet with you, or perhaps bring him or her (or them!) to doggie daycare if there is a good one nearby you are comfortable with. Whatever your needs, be sure you communicate them to your agent, so he or she will know in advance how you would like to proceed with your furry family members’ best interests in mind.

And speaking of open houses, I hope you are planning to stop by the open house I’m hosting THIS Sunday from 1-4pm here in Ringwood! It’s at 45 Whaleback Terrace in beautiful Cupsaw Lake. This home is updated, with four bedrooms, hardwood floors, a two-car garage and gas heat. Why not make it an afternoon in town, with some holiday shopping after? See you there!

Melanie