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After so many years showing homes across Escazú, Santa Ana, Atenas, and the Central Valley, I’ve learned that every property has its personality. But sometimes, the strongest personality in the house isn’t the owner… it’s the pet. And if you’ve ever tried to sell a home in Costa Rica, you already know that pets can make a showing unforgettable—for better or worse.
I’ve walked into homes where a dog greeted us like an enthusiastic host, tail wagging, ready to show the buyers around. I’ve also walked into homes where the “host” was a territorial Rottweiler who made it very clear that we were not welcome. And then there are the cats—those elegant creatures who either ignore everyone completely or decide that the buyer’s lap is the perfect place to sit during the showing.
Over time, I realized something important: buyers don’t just react to the home; they react to the experience of being inside it. And pets, as lovable as they are, can completely reshape that experience. You’d be surprised by the pets that some people have in a tropical country like Costa Rica.
A Massive Pitbull
One afternoon in Santa Ana, I arrived at a beautiful property with a couple who had flown in from Canada. The home was spotless, the garden manicured, the lighting perfect. I thought, “This one will sell itself.” Then the owner opened the door, and out came a massive pitbull—friendly, but intimidating enough to make my clients freeze. They spent the entire showing glancing nervously at the dog instead of admiring the gorgeous terrace. When we left, they told me, “We loved the house, but we couldn’t relax enough to picture ourselves living there.” That’s when it hit me: even the best home can lose a buyer’s attention if the pet steals the spotlight.
The Pig and The Pizote
Another time, in Atenas, I was showing a charming country home. The owner had mentioned “a small pig” living on the property. I imagined a cute little farm animal trotting around the yard. Instead, a 300‑pound pig came charging toward us like it owned the place. My clients jumped behind me, and I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or run. The pig was harmless, but the shock of the moment overshadowed everything else. The buyers remembered the pig—not the house.
And believe it or not, I’ve had a pizote (coatimundi) jump on a client’s face when we walked into a house in the mountains of Escazú.
The Shih Tzu
And then there are the homes where pets become the buyers’ favorite part of the visit. I once showed a condo in Escazú where a tiny Shih Tzu followed the clients from room to room. They adored him. They even took photos with him. But when we finished the tour, I realized they had barely looked at the kitchen, the closets, or the balcony. The dog had become the main attraction, and the property itself faded into the background.
These experiences taught me a simple truth: pets influence emotions, and emotions influence decisions. When buyers walk into a home, they need to feel calm, comfortable, and focused. They need space to imagine their own life there—not the life of the current owner’s pets.
Take your Pet Out during Showings
That’s why I always recommend one thing to sellers: take your pets out during showings. A short walk, a visit to a neighbor, even a quick car ride—anything that gives buyers a distraction‑free environment. It’s not about hiding your pets or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about giving your home the best chance to shine.
Costa Rica is a country full of animal lovers, but also full of people who may be allergic, fearful, or simply distracted by pets. Removing that variable creates a smoother, more professional showing and helps buyers focus on what truly matters: the home itself.
If you’re thinking about selling your property in Escazú, Santa Ana, or anywhere in the Central Valley, I’m here to guide you through every detail—pets included. After all these years, I’ve learned that the small things often make the biggest difference in a successful sale.
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I am Ivo Henfling, the founder of the American European real estate network, a 37-year real estate veteran and widely regarded as the leading real estate authority in Costa Rica, now with Coldwell Banker Santa Ana. Feel free to contact me now. Are you ready to purchase or sell one of the most beautiful Costa Rican homes now? Then contact us now.
