So... My Carpet Is Nasty And It Smells Like Dog Urine. Let's List!!!

It is so EASY to remove the carpet and pad, spray a MICROBAN product on the subfloring and then replace the pad and carpet using the installed tack strips....

Hi Jared, I agree.  If the carpet is going to be replaced, do it before listing it!

Jared,

I always recommend replacing the carpet in my listings instead of offering a concession, or replacing at a later date. You only get one chance to make that first impression.

Rich

Good morning Jared and Amanda -

Yes sir you are right with this post!  This is one we can all or at least most relate to.  I agree with Rich, I always ask that my clients replace the carpet rather than give an allowance.  There are times the eye and nose and brain over rule the cash factor.  Suggested.

I really like your new profile photo!  Good job my friends. 

Jared, Even when the buyer KNOWS the carpet is going to be replaced, they're deducting off the cost of the home (assuming they can even get past the current situation), and when they deduct, it's not dollar for dollar, but more likely 5-10 times as much as the actual repair.  Just do it before they ever have a chance.  It doesn't have to be top of the line, but nice enough to not draw attention.

I am wondering how the sellers can even live in a place like this?

Great photo to accompany this post.  I'm with you - this should've been replaced before starting the listing.  Potential buyers will want to deduct much more for the perceived "value" of the carpet than what it's worth.  And, as you stated, the buyers "saw enough" with just that first, poor impression.  

You're right ... can't say enough about those first impressions!  Maybe after enough buyers walk out they will take some action ....

I always say...if you can smell it, you can't sell it!  Why do folks never learn?

This would have been an easy fix to replace. It takes buyers only a few seconds to decide if a house would be on their short list and this place didn't have a chance!

I never understand why sellers don't wait to put their house on the market until AFTER the repairs are made.  Are they hoping someone will look past it and they won't have to do the work?  Do they think people will look past it knowing the work is going to be done?  I just don't get it.

If they were planning on replacing the carpet, I agree that they should have done it before listing. Otherwise, they are missing out on some great buyers.

On the other hand, I see where it could be a waste of money to replace the carpet because the new buyers may not want that carpet color or perhaps they want wood flooring. They buyers may have assumed it was a good idea (perhaps by the direction of the agent) to just give the flooring allowance to any buyer.

First impressions though... if it smells like urine and looks like THAT, then it will be a turnoff to most potential buyers. Good stuff Jared.

People make a decision not to buy within minutes (seconds) of seeing a house -- starts with curb appeal and the moment one opens the door.

My client had a rental and she was debating asking tenants to move. When I reported the condition of the property and how impossible it would be to get anyone interested in the property because it was so cluttered, filthy and smelly, my client decided to have the house vacated. She repainted, put in bamboo floors. We listed at higher than what we originally agreed, and the house sold in less than a week with multiple offers over list price.

Perception is reality.