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Home Repairs that Count!

By
Real Estate Agent with Texas Home Shop Realty

I am asked all the time what home improvements I think give the best results when looking to resale. The answer to this question usually goes along these lines. When you are looking at putting your home on the market the first thing you should look at is the general condition and cleanliness of your carpet and walls. These 2 areas tell a buyer a lot about how the home has been maintained.

All the upgrades in the world won’t hide dirty, smelly, old carpet. I always recommend that my clients in need of new carpeting consider replacing their carpet prior to listing vs. giving a carpeting allowance. Most buyers have a hard time looking past carpet that is in poor condition,  and intern adjust their offers to reflect the carpets condition even if the seller has added a carpet allowance.  New carpeting will also freshen the home and allow the homeowner to compete closer with new homes. When choosing carpeting stick with a neutral color pattern, you want to try to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Stay with a middle grade carpet, you will not recoup the cost of the super duper stain resistant, high end, extra padded carpet and you can tell a cheap carpet from a mile away. When it comes to carpeting being proactive will pay off every time. 

Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

Here it's a little more challenging because though you can get away with carpet, tile is the only way to go.

Sep 25, 2012 11:49 AM
Bernadine Hunter, SFR, ACRE
Keller Williams Greater Columbus Realty - Pickerington, OH
"Finding Solution to Your Real Estate Needs"

Thanks for the advice. I'd like to replace my carpet with hardwood flooring, which seems to be gaining momentum in my area.

Sep 25, 2012 12:00 PM
John & Irma Nelson
San Antonio Real Estate Broker/Agent with Get It Sold Realty - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Real Estate Agents - San Antonio Homes

I think replacing the carpet in a home is the easiest way to give it a facelift - whether that is with new carpet, tile, hardwood floors etc.   Painting is not a bad idea either.  I think upgrading the fixtures in the bathrooms is a good, inexpensive way to improve a home too..

Sep 25, 2012 12:13 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I have 2 EXCELLENT cleaning companies....I frequently advise homeowners moving and allowing me to rent their home that I will have it cleaned and the carpets cleaned to bring it UP TO MY cleaning standards.

Sep 25, 2012 08:44 PM