One of the hardest conversations I have with clients, and potential clients, is that they need to remove the wallpaperwallpaper prior to listing their homes (and yes, borders count).  I know that your wallpaper is lovely and I can tell that is designer quality, but the number one complaint I get from buyers is that they don't want to deal with wallpaper removal!

Sellers don't want to remove it because

  1. They paid to install it
  2. Removal can be time consuming and/or costly
  3. Walls often need to be repaired
  4. After the paper comes down, the walls need to be painted

Buyers want it removed because:

  1. They did not choose it
  2. Removal can be time consuming and/or costly
  3. Walls often need to be repaired
  4. After the paper comes down, the walls need to be painted

As you can see, most of the same reasons that you have for not wanting to deal with it are the reasons that often make it a show-stopper for buyers.

On occasion, clients will leave up a neutral (ie. it looks like a painted wall) wallpaper and that is usually okay, but anything with any sort of design should be removed--even subtle designs can be a problem for some buyers.

painterOften removing the wallpaper provides an opportunity to paint the walls a warm and inviting color--which ends ups making the home more appealing in the long run.

If you want to sell your home for top-dollar (and who doesn't?) approach this like you would any other long term project: plan it out, do the foundation work, and finalize the details. If you approach it this way, removing the wallpaper is just one task on the way to selling your home for as much as the market will bear.


For more advice on removing wall paper go to:

Wallpaper Removal Techniques

 

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If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

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12 Comments on Is Your (Lovely) Wallpaper Costing You a Sale?

FEB
21
2010
759,086 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Wall Paper is one of those funny things that both buyers and sellers get wrapped around the axle about. Your post is right on point
4:08pm • #1
117,842 Points 1 Featured Post

You raise excellent points  I once bought an older family home and decided to remove the wallpaper myself with a rental steamer.  I got the paper off alright but I then had a number of problems because the old plaster crumbled and then I had to repair them before I could even paint the bare walls.  A real mess and costly.  Charlie Gantz, Greenwood, IN; J.D., M.B.A.; Owner/Principal Broker, Atlas Commercial Real Estate, LLC
4:19pm • #2
492,483 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I think that psychologically, the idea that you don't know what is behind the walls can play in to it, too! Thanks for raising that point, Charles.

 

Charlie, Thanks for reading and commenting on my post!
4:46pm • #3
413,687 Points 88 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

First, a plug for a great stager, Craig Schiller of RealEstaging in Park Forest IL. Last year Craig and I were on a staging consultation for a new listing. It was a relo seller so no previous relationship. Standing in the kitchen, Craig pointed at the wallpaper and said  "that has to go". Mrs Seller said "that's a lot of work". Craig said "Exactly, that's what a buyer will think when they see it" Mrs. Seller said "what's wrong with it, I like it and have for 13 years". Craig "exactly, 13 years, but would you pick it now?" The mood suddenly went from joking and fun to very, very cool. "Well yes I would  pick it now", she said. I was shrinking into the corner, thinking of the call from our relo department and I'd have to explain how I got fired on the staging appointment, truly a first in our company's 155 year history. Later I called Craig "What do I say about the wallpaper?". He said "Listen, it's a tough market and that wallpaper was dated 23 years ago. Either write up my advice, being nice of course, or don't hire me for my opinion". I included "remove all wallpaper" in the report, gritted my teeth, and sent the email. Guess what, Mrs. and Mr. Seller got that wallpaper down and painted the kitchen a nice neutral color that Craig picked out. House sold in 4 weeks. Yah Craig!

 
4:58pm • #4
492,483 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Leslie, that is a great story! Thanks for sharing it.
5:14pm • #5
165,839 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I purchased my first house, full of wallpaper....it took me YEARS to get rid of it....Blood, Sweat, and Tears.  Clean and fresh paint...that is what you need.  Great Post! 
6:41pm • #6
251,323 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wallpaper....almost always a tough conversation with the seller!  BUT always a necessary one for all the reasons that Holly points out!!  No one wants to remove it...and it may be the reason on one wants to make an offer.  I almost always recommend removing it.  Here's a prime example:

Before...blue textured wallpaper in the Dining Room

AFTER...wallpaper removed and walls painted

same color as Living Room.

BIG difference....same furniture!  Added an area rug and removed the dated valance.
7:23pm • #7
1,098,013 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

On one of my listings I suggested to the sellers to remove the wall paper in the kitchen and paint a neutral color..they agreed and...what a difference it made. 
11:15pm • #8
FEB
22
2010
905,565 Points 93 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I always tell sellers not to take it the wrong way, but, "Everyone hates your wallpaper"!

While it might be tasteful, and in some cases might actually be very nice, buyers didn't choose it, often they don't want it, and removing it and repainting the room with a neutral color will bring much better results in the long run.
7:33am • #9
131,284 Points 2 Featured Posts

Holly, this is a great post. I have it bookmarked.
10:54pm • #10
FEB
23
2010

Here is my most recent example of wallpaper that had to go. This is bedroom in 1 bedroom condo. Every room had wallpaper in it - dated & worn.  The condo sat on the market for over 6 months with no interest.

Within days of the Open House, there was an offer!

 

beforeafter
1:49am • #11
MAR
11
2010
202,345 Points

Yes most wallpaper is dated and has to go, but I do like the post you have written and will bookmark, thanks for sharing
7:49am • #12

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Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA

Reston, VA

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Momentum Realty,LLC, Potomac Falls,VA

Address: Reston,Herndon,Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Oak Hill, Falls Church, Sterling, Potomac Falls, McLean,Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, Reston, VA

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