Admin

The Difference A Carpet Can Make When Selling Your Home

By
Real Estate Agent with Carol West Real Estate, LLC 200407124

Transform a home very quickly with new flooring and especially, new carpeting. The renovation is not complete without a fresh new carpet and pad.

New 100% Nylon carpets are the best investments, resist stains and absorption of cooking odors and generate less indoor pollution than others available today. They are also very reasonable and give you so much for so little spent. 

I recommend that you: 

-Buy new padding. Old padding holds more odors than the carpeting. 

-Spend the money for an 8 lb. pad to provide the luxurious feel of top carpeting. 

-Shop around and find the best buy locally. You will shipping costs or delays on your projects.

-Match color tones to blend with your furnishings and wall colors staying on the lighter side to create the feeling of more space. 

-Find carpets on special for close to $.99 per foot. 

-Avoid dark shades of Beige and Browns which date the home and create dreary feeling. 

Note the difference in the home I was updating. The old Brown carpeting against the new laminated flooring and the new vanilla cream color replacement. 

Old Brown Carpet

 

Comments(11)

Show All Comments Sort:
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Yes, the lighter color makes a huge difference.

I also have a few builds for you (as I own my own flooring store). 

First, as I'm sure you know, usually if a house is on the market the new (or potential buyer) almost always wants to replace it - if for nothing else to get rid of the odors and/or perceived germs that may be left behind. 

Second, if there is hardwood underneath, you can sand & refinish it which not only improves the value but usually costs LESS than recarpeting.

Regarding your comments on type used, you are 100% correct.  Lighter is better (esp when selling) and nylon is softer and more durable than polyester and that is especially important for steps.  When possible, upgrade from 6 pound to 8 pound padding - it's worth it.  Doesn't cost much more (often less than $40) and it will make carpet more pluse and importantly, help it last LONGER. (But, pls note if doing a berber or looped carpet, there is a different type of pad you should use).

Always replace the pad.  Excellent point on the odor it traps (not to mention bacteria).  But, also the new pad will make it last longer and is so worth it.

Debbie Gartner, owner Floor Coverings International

Jul 03, 2010 11:19 PM
Carol West
Carol West Real Estate, LLC - Hillsboro, OR
Real Estate Agent, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Portland

Thanks Debbie, on the tip with berber & looped carpet with different padding - an important point. 

Best, Carol West

Jul 05, 2010 07:09 AM
Will Nesbitt
Nesbitt Realty at Condo Alexandria - Alexandria, VA
Nesbitt Realty is a family-run brokerage.

A very superb idea Carol. The lighter carpet does make it cleaner, homey and welcoming.

Jul 13, 2010 08:30 PM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Carol,  A very valid point.  Personally, I abhor carpet except in bedrooms.  But, if you are going to replace it get rid the padding too.  Great suggestions.

Jul 21, 2010 10:50 AM
John Howard
Century 21 LeMac Realty - Mountain Home, AR
GRI, Mountain Home, Arkansas 870-404-3614

Carol,  A great post!  Good points for not only buyers but sellers!  Have a Great week!

Jul 21, 2010 12:23 PM
Rita Fong
RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, Executive Broker 901-488-9590 - Marion, AR
Realtor - Marion Arkansas Homes for Sale

Carol, what a difference does it make, and you got some great points about the padding.  A small investment with a big improvement.  

Jul 24, 2010 06:44 PM
Cathy Lee
CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

Great tips and your photos make such a statement!! What a transformation!! 

Jul 24, 2010 07:04 PM
Jane Herron RealtorĀ® Coaching Leadership+Sales
Meet Jane Herron your Success Trainer on Retainer (past Productivity Coach + New Agent Trainer for Keller Williams) - Salt Lake City, UT
Chart Your Course Leadership Training for Women!

WOW--the difference is HUGE.  I got talked into a dark carpet that looks like the first picture and have hated it since.  makes me realize I need to change it to the neutral color. thanks for the visual.

Aug 20, 2010 08:03 AM
Carol West
Carol West Real Estate, LLC - Hillsboro, OR
Real Estate Agent, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Portland

Thanks for your comment Jane. I wish I had been able to convince them earlier but, my clients felt they could slide by w/o doing the extra of carpeting:-)

Aug 20, 2010 08:14 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I don't like carpeted stairs, but that second picture is a world of difference from the first.

Aug 21, 2010 03:50 PM
Carol West
Carol West Real Estate, LLC - Hillsboro, OR
Real Estate Agent, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Portland

I made some additional notes since last posting:-)

Jan 14, 2011 10:16 AM