Considering Buyers with Allergies and Asthma

Looking to sell your home and you have pets? It’s important to think about the needs of buyers who might have asthma or allergies. In this blog, we’ll offer some advice about keeping your home ready to show when you have pets. It’s estimated that in Canada, 1 in 5 off all adults have some form of spring allergy, while roughly 4.6 million adults suffer from asthma. This blog will take a look at life with pets, asthma, and allergies, and how to prepare your home for viewing guests. 

Allergies can range from seasonal sensitivities to more severe reactions caused by foods such as peanuts or shellfish. Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects the lungs by causing airway inflammation and narrowing. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and can possibly lead to a medical emergency.   

Triggers for allergic reactions and asthma attacks include pet dander, fur and dust, and can be an instant deal-breaker for potential homebuyers who suffer from these conditions. These are all variables that can be controlled when you’re getting ready to sell your home. If you live with a pet (or multiple pets) frequent vacuuming and dusting goes a long way. The cleaner and better maintained your home appears, the more attractive it will be to potential buyers. Even if your potential buyer doesn’t have asthma or an allergy, they will appreciate how clean and well-maintained your space looks. Here are some tips to help you make a great first impression when you list your home for sale.  

Always Have Proper Ventilation

If you or someone in your household deals with allergies or asthma, there’s a simple habit that could make a big difference, and it comes straight from Germany. It’s called Lüften. No fancy tech or products involved, just an open window and a little fresh air.   

The idea behind Lüften is straightforward. You just open your windows and let the air move. That’s it. Germans have practiced this forever, especially in the colder months when houses are sealed up tight. But honestly, it’s something you can do year-round, no matter the weather. Why does it work? Regularly airing out your home helps rid the stale air, lowers indoor humidity, and reduces allergens like dust, mold spores and pet dander.   

If you’ve got pets, fresh air is even more important. Dander builds up fast, and unless you’re constantly cleaning (which, let’s be real, no one is), it lingers. And here’s something most people don’t think about: if you’re selling your home, poor air quality can make a bad impression, fast. Even if buyers can’t see pet dander, they’ll feel it, and not in a good way.   

Crack a few windows before and after showings to freshen things up. If you’re the one buying, take a look at how well the house is ventilated. Look at attic vents, bathroom fans, that sort of thing. A properly breathing home is a healthier one, plain and simple. Lüften won’t solve everything, but as habits go, it’s a good one to have.  

Smells and Fragrances

When you’re selling your home, the vibes and atmosphere matter. Adding a fragrance can help create an atmosphere, while doubling as a mask for those households that may have some lingering pet smells. That said, use fragrances sparingly, as some people are sensitive to them or simply don’t like them. Cleanliness is the best way to deal with any lingering odors at their source. 

If you’d still like to add a scent but still want to keep it natural, try essential oils. Lavender and eucalyptus are both popular choices. Plus, some have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for anyone walking through your door. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually include diluting the oils, as a little goes a long way. 

If candles are more your style, go for the unscented ones. Scented candles may smell lovely to you, but they can be overpowering or even irritating to potential buyers – even those who may not have allergies but aren’t used to strong fragrances. Keep things neutral and as scent-free as possible to make sure your home feels welcoming to everyone.  

Dusting and Vacuuming 

Regular dusting can minimize dust and allergens such as pet dander. Vacuuming floors and curtains also helps capture particles that can trigger allergies and asthma. This helps you maintain a healthy indoor environment. Dusting at least once a week will help remove dead skin cells and other molecules that can negatively impact air quality.  

To further reduce allergens and odors, wash your pet’s bedding and any soft furnishings they frequently use. A combination of good airflow and consistent cleaning will help keep your home fresh, clean, and more comfortable for everyone.  

Control Humidity Levels  

Maintaining the right humidity levels in your home is crucial. You may be from a very humid climate, or you may be from a very dry climate. Either way, keeping your home’s humidity levels between 30-50% will help prevent mold growth, dust mites, allergens, and respiratory issues for you and potential buyers.   

High humidity can lead to moisture buildup, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew. Be on the lookout for those, particularly in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. This is even more important for pet owners, as pets can bring in moisture from the outdoors. Their bedding can trap humidity, making mold growth more likely.   

How do we regulate our home’s humidity? Using a dehumidifier can help eliminate excess moisture and improve air quality, while a humidifier can help you breathe easier if it’s too dry. Additionally, fixing leaks around your home from pipes, windows or the roof can also prevent moisture from accumulating. Mold not only damages your home, but it can also pose health risks for both humans and pets, particularly those with allergies or asthma. By controlling humidity, you can create a more comfortable, healthier environment for everyone in your home.  

 Choose Hypoallergenic Products 

This may be going above and beyond, or you may have asthma or some allergies yourself, but you can also consider using hypoallergenic mattress covers and pillows. Hypoallergenic bedding is made so that mold, bacteria and other allergens do not have a chance to stick around in the material. Research shows that hypoallergenic bedding is really good at making sure dust mites don’t settle on your bedding. Fun Fact – a two-year-old blanket could be harboring up to 10% of its weight in dust mite poop. Okay, maybe that wasn’t a “fun” fact – but a true one nonetheless and so be sure to replace those pillows every couple of years – preferably with hypoallergenic ones!  

If you’re repainting a room before a showing, or just repainting in general, low-VOC paints and finishes can help minimize chemical exposure. VOC, or “Volatile Organic Compounds,” can cause irritation and work against those with allergies and asthma.   

Sell Your Home to Anyone  

Now you have all the steps to create a healthier living space that appeals to buyers with asthma or allergies. Not only does this increase the marketability of your home, but it also shows buyers that the property is thoughtfully maintained – which is something many buyers look for.  

Keeping a clean home is the very first step in preparing it for sale. If you’re ready to jump into the market, or even if you’re just thinking about it, reach out to a REMAX agent who will help prepare your home for the market, offer advice to ensure it stands out from the competition, and help find the right buyer to meet your home-selling goals.