When it comes to selling a house, few things pose as many challenges as owning pets. If you have pets, and you're wondering, "how can I sell my home," there are some things you are going to want to do in advance of listing and while the house is on the market. Here are a few of the things to think about and discuss with your real estate agent as you prepare to sell your home.

Assess the House Thoroughly

One common issue when you own pets is damage throughout the house. From dogs chewing on things to cat's claws leaving scratches, your pets have likely left their mark throughout your home. 

If you are getting ready to sell your house, you need to address this damage first. While most of it might seem cosmetic, it can be a big deal to potential buyers. They don't want to see the remnants of your pets when they are touring the house, nor do they want to wonder what else your pets may have damaged if they see subtle signs of issues.

Consider the Yard as Well

Yard issues may not be a big deal if you have only indoor cats or other animals that don't go outside at all. However, if you have a dog, you need to consider some yard clean-up before you list your house and while it's on the market. 

Fill in any holes that your dog has dug in the yard and make sure you address any new ones right away during the showing process. Clean up any pet waste that's in the yard and remind all of your family members to clean up after your dog every time they take the dog outside. Don't leave the waste collection container anywhere conspicuous, either. Make sure it's out of sight and out of smelling range.

Finally, if it's spring or summer, you'll also want to make sure that you re-seed anywhere that your dog has killed the grass. That way, there are no obvious signs of a dog being present on the property.

Make Showings Pet-Free

When you schedule showings, make sure that you remove your pets from the house beforehand. Clean up any food and water dishes, sweep up any pet hair, and hide cat litter boxes. The less evidence there is of pets in your home, the more likely potential buyers will enjoy your home, whether they have pets or not.