Pet Odor Can Chase Away Buyers

Pet Odor Can Chase Away Buyers — Here's How to Fix It

Love Your Pets? So Do I. But Buyers May Not Love the Smell.

As a pet owner and longtime Realtor, I totally understand the challenge: your home is clean, well-maintained, and ready to sell — but there’s a lingering odor that’s hard to ignore. Unfortunately, pet smells are one of the top deal-breakers for buyers, even if they love animals themselves.

When you're selling your home in the Twin Cities, first impressions are everything. If buyers walk in and are hit with the scent of dogs, cats, or litter boxes, they immediately start to question whether the home has hidden issues — or worse, they can’t envision themselves living there at all.

Why Pet Odors Matter So Much to Buyers

  • It triggers emotional reactions — Buyers don’t want to feel like they’re inheriting someone else’s problems (or pets).
  • It raises concerns about cleanliness — Even if the home looks spotless, lingering odors suggest deeper issues.
  • It distracts from everything else — Buyers focus on the smell instead of your home’s features.

How to Eliminate Pet Odors Before You List

Here’s what I recommend to all of my seller clients with pets:

  • Have carpets professionally cleaned — Especially in bedrooms, basements, and pet-frequented zones. Enzyme treatments work best.
  • Clean or replace HVAC filters — Pet hair and dander often circulate through vents. Change filters and clean ductwork if needed.
  • Wash or remove fabric furniture and curtains — Soft surfaces hold onto smells more than hard surfaces.
  • Temporarily relocate litter boxes, crates, or pet beds — Hide them during showings and open houses.
  • Use ozone or air purifiers — I can refer you to pros who offer fast odor-neutralizing treatments for entire homes.

What NOT to Do

  • Don’t rely on candles or air fresheners — They mask rather than eliminate odors and can actually be overpowering.
  • Don’t ignore feedback — If buyers or agents mention pet odor even once, take it seriously and act quickly.

Want a Second Nose?

As someone who’s walked through thousands of homes with buyers, I’ve developed a sixth sense for how people perceive smell — even subtle ones. I offer pre-listing walk-throughs and will give you honest, practical feedback on anything (including odors) that might hold your sale back.

💡 Get more pre-listing tips here
✉ Schedule a quick walk-through consultation with me

Joe Houghton
Broker Associate | RE/MAX Results
Founder – Minnesota Property Group
📞 (763) 300-2702
🌐 www.mnpropertygroup.com

Location: Rogers, MN, USA

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