Posted by: Karim Ali
Coffee with Karim
Realtor Listing Tips – Smart Steps to Stress Less
6 min read
Selling a home is stressful enough. Add kids and pets into the mix, and it can feel like you’re juggling toys, fur, and last-minute showings all at once. The good news? Buyers don’t expect perfection. They just need to see a clean, organized space where they can picture themselves living. Here are some simple ways to keep your sanity (and your sale) on track.
The Reality of Selling with Kids and Pets
Most Ottawa buyers know families live in homes; they don’t expect a spotless, untouched showpiece. What matters is showing a space that feels well cared for and organized. Toys, cribs, or pet beds are fine to have around as long as they’re neat and not overwhelming.
Your goal isn’t to hide all evidence of your family, but to present a home where buyers think: “This place is loved, and it’s manageable.”
Managing Showings with Young Kids
Showings can feel disruptive, but a bit of planning makes them smoother.
- Scheduling: Ask your realtor to have advance notice (even two hours helps). Work around nap times and school runs if you can.
- Quick-tidy bins: Keep a couple of baskets handy. Before a showing, toss toys, books, or laundry in and tuck them in a closet or corner. It shows neatness, not chaos.
- Neat, not hidden: Don’t stress about erasing all signs of kids. Buyers expect them. What matters is that toys look organized, floors are clean, and the home feels looked after.
- Involving kids: Make it fun. Little ones can be “helpers” who tidy toys or turn off lights before a showing.
Dealing with Pets (Odours & Evidence)
Pets are family too, but their presence can distract buyers.
- Odours: Deep clean carpets, wash pet bedding, and vacuum often. Use mild, fresh scents but avoid strong sprays that feel like cover-ups.
- Pet gear: Put away bowls, litter boxes, toys, and scratching posts before each showing. Out of sight = less distraction.
- During showings: Take pets with you if possible. A barking dog or wandering cat makes it hard for buyers to focus on the home. Plus, I’ve met some buyers who simply despise pets – you don’t want to give them reason to hate your home, too!
Creating a Show-Ready Routine
The trick to staying sane is making tidying part of the daily rhythm.
- Morning reset: Beds made, counters wiped, dishes away before leaving for work or school.
- Evening sweep: Toys in bins, vacuum high-traffic areas, quick wipe of bathroom counters.
- Keep it simple: It doesn’t have to be perfect, just consistent. A tidy baseline makes last-minute showings way less stressful.
Temporary Storage Hacks
Less clutter = more space. Short-term storage is a lifesaver.
- Rent a small locker for bulky toys, extra clothes, or seasonal items.
- Use labelled bins in the garage for overflow.
- Store pet crates or kennels off-site if they take up too much room, or are otherwise hard to hide.
Involving the Family Without Stress
Selling shouldn’t fall on one person’s shoulders.
- Kids: Give them age-appropriate jobs, like picking up toys or wiping down tables.
- Teens: Put them in charge of trash, recycling, or vacuuming.
- Pets: Decide ahead of time who’s responsible for walking or relocating them before a showing.
When the whole family is part of the routine, the process feels lighter.
Grab My Checklist!
Selling with kids and pets in Ottawa doesn’t have to mean chaos. With quick-tidy strategies, a show-ready routine, and everyone pitching in, you can keep things manageable while buyers focus on your home’s best features.
Want a little extra help? I’ve put together a free Family + Pet Seller’s Checklist: 10 Quick Steps Before Every Showing. It’s designed to make your life easier, and your sale smoother.
2 More Things
1
Keep a “Go Bag” Handy
Pack a bag with snacks, pet supplies, and essentials. When a last-minute showing comes up, you can grab it and head out quickly without scrambling.
2
Lighten the Mood
Showings don’t last forever. Turn them into a positive; grab ice cream with the kids or head to the dog park. A small reward helps make the disruption feel like an adventure.
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