Home Selling Tip #3
This is Home Selling Tip #3 in my summer-long series of Home Selling Tips.
Replace the carpeting.
I know, the thought of laying out several thousand dollars all at once, on brand new carpeting that you aren’t even going to get to enjoy, seems a bit painful. However, I think watching your house sit on the market FOREVER is a lot more painful.
I’m personally guilty of making this mistake. I refused to replace the carpeting several years ago when I was selling my own home. I realize now it was just plain dumb. I made all the usual excuses: “The buyers may want a different color than I would pick…” or “If they want new carpeting, they can get it when they move in…” or “If they want new carpeting I can just give them a ‘carpeting allowance’…”
Learn from those of us who have gone before you - none of that works - not in this market for certain. You have to realize that carpeting is HUGE, after all, it nearly covers your entire home so if it’s in iffy condition it sticks out like 10 sore thumbs. And it’s a lot of work to arrange for new carpeting and your new buyers don’t want to have to go to the trouble.
As Nike would tell you, “Just do it!”
Beth Skinner is a real estate professional who actually returns phone calls and emails! Click here to search the MLS for your dream home.
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June 4th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Beth,
Thank you for giving me the words! Just yesterday I was consulting with a homeowner who didn’t want to redo the floors. Can’t I just give them a flooring allowance, she asked. I hemmed and hawed. I felt for her distress - oy the disruptions, etc - the bottom line is, you are so right, to compete in this market, your house has to be the best value in the price bracket. That means move-in condition.
Have a great selling day!
Juliet
June 4th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Hi Juliet, Yes it helps that I can say “I PERSONALLY made the same arguments you did…” And I completely understand their reasoning, I really was convinced it was unnecessary. Having made that mistake once though I wouldn’t hesitate now to replace the flooring!