I read on your website the many advantages to staging a home so that it will sell faster and for more money. I’ve implemented many of your suggestions and I can say that my realtor is quite pleased with the results. She and I, however, disagree on one of your staging suggestions: that a seller should not have their pet at home during open houses and showings. My dog, Stella, is kind, attractive, and very social. (I’ve enclosed a picture.) The realtor agrees with you that she should not be present and to put her bowls, toys, and outfits out of sight. Now I can see that bowls of dog food and water are not attractive, but she has very expensive toys neatly displayed in our family room, and her outfits have been designed by one of the top designers in the country. Her hat collection alone is worth several thousand dollars.

Carol White
Ft. Worth, TX

P.S. The realtor also feels it’s very distracting to prospective buyers when they arrive at our home to hear my husband calling the dog by yelling, “STELLA” at the top of his lungs. She said it reminded her of some movie and that you never know what might offend certain buyers.

Dear Carol,

Thank you for enclosing a picture of your dog Stella. She is quite attractive for a wiener dog. Her hat and accessories do look very expensive. I explain to my clients that some buyers are allergic to dogs. I, therefore, agree with your realtor that you should not have Stella present at open houses and showings. Putting away all the dog bowls, toys and outfits will not only remove clutter, but will allow non-pet-owning buyers a chance to view your home without the distraction of the pet issue. I would trust your realtor on this one. They deal with many buyers and base their opinions on the reactions and feedback of those willing to shell down big bucks for a new home.

It is also very wise to avoid anything that may offend buyers. I usually suggest removing religious items, alcohol and smoking paraphernalia, and any other indications of vices that may be evident in your home. These are just distractions and you never know whom you may offend.

On another note, I commend you for naming your dog Stella. When your husband calls for Stella it’s sure to evoke the memory of Marlon Brando yelling, “STELLA” in the move, “A Streetcar Named Desire.” A great movie and a great actor. Again, however, there could be someone who saw the movie and did not like it. You can never be sure what buyers will object to. I suggest having Stella gone from the home in plenty of time before prospective buyers arrive.