Pets - How Do You Handle Pet Odor?

[norapp]

While I have been in my share of homes that smell from pets, I wonder how other appraisers handle this. I went in a house with 5 dogs and that smelled like dog pee. Owner said one old dog was having trouble and he was confined to kitchen. The whole house smelled and as a dog lover and owner, can not understand how people can live with the overwhelming odor. Recently my 11 year old dog had his first ever accident. I tried everything to get rid of the smell from one small area of carpet but I smelled it everywhere in my house. How do you handle a house where 5 dogs live and smells so bad. Could be from one area but who knows.

 

[J Grant]

If it smells so bad usually carpet or floors/baseboards have pee soaked in to them. Apply C 4 condition adjust/for the condition.

If it was truly bad re a health hazard, have a friend report them to animal control.

 

[Meandering]

While I have been in my share of homes that smell from pets, I wonder how other appraisers handle this. I went in a house with 5 dogs and that smelled like dog pee. Owner said one old dog was having trouble and he was confined to kitchen. The whole house smelled and as a dog lover and owner, can not understand how people can live with the overwhelming odor. Recently my 11 year old dog had his first ever accident. I tried everything to get rid of the smell from one small area of carpet but I smelled it everywhere in my house. How do you handle a house where 5 dogs live and smells so bad. Could be from one area but who knows.

Thank you for this question.
I'm also dealing with one where the owner is breeding dogs in the house, and the smell, wow.

This is the true beauty of why AVMs can't value residences.

.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I have found that most times a top stanley steemer type service can remove odors almost 100%. Cats that pee on walls may be a different issue. But even so many buyers will remove the carpeting and a layer of Kilz may be necessary even then. I have seen it rehabbed when I thought there was no hope though.

 

[jay trotta]

I have found that being allergic/non allergic to foul smelling homes is a major Turn Off via numerous Agent input; I myself do not go into homes that smell of dog / cat / Ox / or any other outdoor animal.

The difficulty in finding support for rating the "smell level" is a complex issue; toxicity level requires an expert in that field.

 

[Mr Rex]

I put Vicks vapor rub under my nose.

 

[Artemis Fowl]

Typical buyer probly going to pass or expect a discount IME. If similar comps exist...great...use em. If not...do what makes sense. Describe, present a logical analysis and adjust or consider in reconciliation. Presenting a credible, subjective analysis of the issue is sometimes the best support you can get. It's an opinion after all. This can be one of those "professional judgement" situations.

Not sure I would alter a condition rating for odor only...depends if other related issues exists. Fresh carpet and a layer of KILZ vs. damaged walls/trim/etc.

My 2scents

 

[DTB]

From personal experience, it can very difficult to cure. We had one rehab where the hardwood flooring had to be removed, the sub flooring had to be removed and the floor joists treated with an enzyme. After that 2 coats KILZ and on a warm day there was STILL a faint odor. We sold it when it cooled off in the Fall.

 

[Noreen]

While I have been in my share of homes that smell from pets, I wonder how other appraisers handle this. I went in a house with 5 dogs and that smelled like dog pee. Owner said one old dog was having trouble and he was confined to kitchen. The whole house smelled and as a dog lover and owner, can not understand how people can live with the overwhelming odor. Recently my 11 year old dog had his first ever accident. I tried everything to get rid of the smell from one small area of carpet but I smelled it everywhere in my house. How do you handle a house where 5 dogs live and smells so bad. Could be from one area but who knows.

I had the same thing yesterday.. I love dogs but The Homeowners' have owned this house for three years and Man, I don't think they have ever soap & water cleaned anything!! AND they are laminate floors, I suspect it's in the furniture and bedding too. Struggling with the PC approach to this dilemma...

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

The place stinks! Sorry folks, that is a huge issue when trying to sell a property. Put all the Vicks up your nose you want...it still stinks and you need to make an condition adjustment.