Home inspections, sales history and a good school district are the kinds of things that tend to speak to a buyer’s head. A personal letter from you about your home can speak to the heart. A home sale is an emotional choice and a “love letter” about the features that have made your house a home can make your property stand out. It may not clinch the sale on its own, but it could certainly make your place more attractive and memorable to prospective buyers. Leave copies of the letter out during an open house next to other information provided by your agent. Some sellers frame their letter and leave it in a prominent place for buyers to see. Your agent could also email it to interested prospects. Be sure to include a photo of the house within the letter.

Your writing needs to sound authentic and sincere. Make it personal and positive. You can include family memories, details about the neighborhood, information about nearby shopping and restaurants, the schools your children attend, or a little history of the house itself. Explain some of the reasons why you have loved living in this home. The sample here incorporates many of these options:

Dear Home Buyers,

Nine years ago, we were searching for our first house. We had looked in many parts of the city, but kept hoping something would open up here in Deer Run. When this house became available, we only looked at it once before making an offer and still talk about how lucky we were to get it.

The house had all the things we wanted most on our wish list:  a gas stove and double oven in the kitchen, lots of storage, a laundry room by the master bedroom and a fenced yard for our dog. But it also had nearly everything else we hoped for – a pretty mantelpiece, room for my grandmother’s piano, and a big window over the kitchen sink. The large atrium area for the breakfast nook was an extra bonus.

So many traditions and memories are tied up in this home. We always put our Christmas tree in the front window and rearranged the furniture so we could sit on the sofa to look at the tree and watch the fireplace at the same time. Add a long table or two to extend the dining room seating out into the front hallway and you can have at least 20 people here for dinner. We did that lots of times for birthdays and holidays.

We had many wonderful parties out on the deck — there’s room for a crowd. Laughter and good food were enjoyed while the kids caught lightning bugs and played flashlight tag. The neighbors whose yards touch ours are all such good people. We’ve had many great talks over the back fence. The annual Popsicle Parade on the Fourth of July has always started in front of our house with everyone back here at the end. All our immediate neighbors help host it — so much fun!

Tomato plants thrive in the side yard and the dogwood trees are beautiful in the spring. There are pink and white peonies in front, lots of tulips and daylilies come up every year and the maple tree at the back of the yard turns a spectacular red color every fall.

Aside from our house, we are going to miss the neighborhood. We are close to a couple of fabulous restaurants (be sure to try the shrimp and grits at McNeally’s!), our favorite golf course is only a half mile away, and the kids can walk to the elementary school. Actually, if we could commute to Springfield, we wouldn’t consider moving, but it’s just too far away.

This has been a home filled with love and we wish you, the next owners, the same good fortune.

Be sure to sign your name. You are giving potential buyers a look at the special memories you created in your house. It might also be a gentle, cathartic exercise for you as you say goodbye to one part of your life and get ready for the next chapter.

Although pets may be a significant part of your family, they can pose a challenge when your home is on the market. Pet hair and odors obviously must be addressed, but your furry friend’s presence may be the biggest problem. Although people love their own dogs and cats, they may not like others and they definitely will not be impressed with a property full of other animals’ noises, toys or hair.

Have a good plan in mind for dealing with your dog or cat before potential buyers come inside your home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Clean, Clean, Clean!
Vacuum every day to keep the place spotless. Keep animals toys packed away and take down the big scratching post. Pack up the cages and carriers. Put food and water bowls out of sight before a showing. Remember the outside, too, and be vigilant with the pooper scooper while your house is on the market.

The Nose Knows
Smelly pet odors are bad and cat urine is the worst! Cat boxes and puppy pads must be put away before showings and kept super clean the rest of the time. Even a leaking fish tank can create an unpleasant stink. Don’t think that an air freshener can cover the scent — get rid of the smell with an enzyme cleaner.  Nothing will turn buyers off more quickly than bad smells and pet mess.

Repair Pet Damage
Carefully inspect all floor coverings.  You made need to hire a professional to get rid of the worst spots and stains. If you can’t fix the spots, replace the carpet. Cover scratches on the hardwood floors and doors. If your dog has clawed repeatedly on the back door, the marks will need attention. Has he dug up the yard or chewed on the fence? Be sure to inspect for pet damage thoroughly. If you have a dog house in the back, give it a fresh coat of paint.

Fleas! Fix!
If your pet has fleas, then they are in your home, too. Hire a professional exterminator to kill the fleas and have your pet treated. Fleas in your carpet and furniture will run buyers back out the door and your home will only be memorable to them because of bites on their legs!

Where Should They Go?
If possible, have your pets out of the house during showings. Take the dog to the park for a long walk or even to the office for the day. See if a friend can keep the cat for a few hours. Having pets at the house when buyers are there should be avoided if at all possible.  If not, kennel your pet or put up a temporary pen in the back yard and leave a note asking visitors not to disturb your animals. You will be running a big risk if your pet is roaming the house while strangers are there.

You want buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home. That means helping them see beyond your personal belongings, including your pets. Even a home in excellent condition will likely take a hit in sales value if pet damage and smells are not addressed. Neutralizing your pet’s presence will help you sell your home more quickly and at a competitive price.