Does New Carpet Installed In A Home Really Help It Sell?

Just like gary says in his post, the answer is an unequivocal YES.

Looks good, smells like new home and is a positve aspect to any showing.

One big caveat...put in a neutral color. I have seen sellers listen to their agent and then put in green or blue carpet. Why? Because it was the SELLERS favorite color!

Yes you should replace old worn carpet....offering an allowance doesn't do the trick like replacing with a neutral color...

I agree that the seller should just bite the bullet and install new carpet.  I recently had a client with severe pet allergies.  New carpet would eliminate this problem for the most part.  Plus so many lenders won't allow the buyer to accept a carpet allowance.

Nothing makes a home look and smell move in ready like new flooring.  Of course I would also add that worn vinyl should also be replaced if a home has any vinyl flooring.

Hi Gary and Happy New Year to you!  I agree with you completely.  A carpet allowance doesn't do the trick. Buyers want to walk into that house and see, smell and feel that new carpet. 

New Carpet--- don't forget to new paint.  CLean, bright new makes everything look better.

New Carpet--- don't forget to new paint.  CLean, bright new makes everything look better.

Hey Gary,

This is pretty interesting...I didn't even think about New Carpet being a big factor but you have opened my eyes..thank you :)

Sometimes it does Gary but it has to be a color that many will like! I think (Home Staging) can really be a selling factor!

Vegas Bob ;)

Gary - Good advice for sellers.  Allowances rarely work, for most buyers have trouble looking beyond the problem and frequently are fearful that the allowance won't cover their needs or that additional problems will arise. New carpet also gives that "new home smell" that may help overcome other issues.

Gary - this is the same advice I give my sellers as well. I always recommend actually replacing the carpet OVER providing an allowance for the buyer to do so. Love that 'new carpet' smell!

Yes!  So often sellers are in denial about the condition of their carpets, thinking that a good cleaning will take care of everything. 

Fresh and clean with a moisture proof padding will help it sell.  The upgrade in padding may cost a bit more per square foot but it's a value-added selling point.

Great post as always, Gary.  Happy New Year!

Gary - You are so right - great advice here.  Goochie, goochie, goo...  oh, sorry, that little baby in the photo is soooooo cute!  Yes, a nice, neutral coloured carpet will work wonders to help sell a house.

A big Amen to that!

Spoken like a true stager Gary...I mean Realtor who gets staging!

Spot on!! (but not on the carpet please =)

Not replacing worn or stained carpet is leaving the door open for buyers to walk.... out the door. Carpet allowances are SO over,

Thanks for posting Gary!

This may be harsh but "allowance" sends a message of laziness, if it's worn get it replaced.  The sight/smell factor of new carpet will send the message of fresh and clean that no allowance can ever accomplish

Replace the carpet and be done with it.  I disagree about the pad though, for pennies more get the best pad and the feel of the "new" carpet will stay much longer.  The neutrality of your choice in color can mean a huge difference in market time too!  

Great!  Nothing worse that walking into a home and you can't take your eyes off the old and stained flooring.  That's a first impression you don't want to make.

New Carpet is a GREAT idea. I agree that its much better than adding a carpet allowance because its already installed for the new buyers and looks better when people come to view the home.