Tips from The Staging Holmes, Inc.

Floor coverings have taken a dramatic turn in the last few years. It is no longer acceptable to offer buyers a credit to replace worn carpeting or refinish hardwood floors. If sellers think it is too much work or too much of an expense what makes them think the buyer isn't thinking the same thing?

Carpet Crisis

If a home's carpets are stained or worn they need to be repaired before it goes on the market.  At the very least all wall-to-wall carpets throughout the house should be steam cleaned. If the carpet is beyond cleaning it is best to replace it with a neutral, low pile, carpet. If the home has different colored carpet in every bedroom, it is a good idea to neutralize the carpet and use the same color throughout the home. It will make the home feel larger and give buyers the impression of an "open floor plan."

Hooray for Hardwoods

Before installing new carpet it is a good idea to look into the cost of installing hardwood floors or tile. You may be surprised at how close in price carpet and hardwood floors are. Keep in mind, carpet is a petroleum product and as the price of gas and oil rise so does the price of carpet.

More buyers in this market are looking for, if not demanding, hardwood floors. Hardwood floors come in a variety of types and finishes. Don't rule out bamboo as it is a strong natural material that gives any home a contemporary feel.

If the existing hardwood floors are in rough shape they should be sanded and refinished before going on the market. The goal is not to give the buyer a reason NOT to make an offer.

Tile, Tile Everywhere

Tile floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and entry ways are always a wise investment. It is important to select neutral, light colors. It is also important that existing tile and grout are in good shape. If the house has outdated porcelain tile from the 70s, there is a new technique that can re-glaze the tile with a special paint. The process allows you to change the color of tiles to a more neutral color such as ivory.