Wednesday, May 12, 2010

How Important Are My Floors When Selling My Home?


Have you ever walked into a home on the market and looked down to see stained carpet or flooring? It brings a little thought of “ew” sometimes, doesn’t it? Imagine if you were a buyer looking at the same floor.

The right type of flooring, and flooring that is well taken care of, can make a big difference to buyers. If your floor brings on the “ew” thought, below you will find a few fixes to help make sure your home sells.

Does your home have hardwood floors?

You’re in luck. Buyers love hardwood floors and some will actually pay extra to get them. In fact, it could be that final selling point. If your hardwood floors are covered by carpet, painted over or showing anything but the natural wood grain, it’s time for an overhaul. Pull up those carpets and get to sanding.

With the ability to rent large sanders and other tools, you can either refinish the hardwood floor yourself or hire a professional. Remember, however, hardwood floors have a tendency to show off scratches, dents and uneven surfaces. If you don’t think you could do a good job, hire a professional.

Does your home have carpeting?
If you don’t have hardwood floors, take a look at your carpeting. If it’s stained, out-dated, bright or ragged, it’s time to pull it up. When laying the new carpet, use good carpet padding to make it comfortable to stand on. Many buyers will lean down and touch the floor, so make sure the carpet feels soft to the touch.

In addition, don’t go for the bright colors. Pick a neutral carpet color that goes well with the home.

Does your home have tiles?
Although tiles are beautiful, they typically show every ounce of old grime, dirt, chips and cracks. Go through your home and replace any that are chipped, cracked or show signs of bad wear and tear. Make sure the grout is clean and new looking, and use cleaners (or a steam cleaner) to get rid of any stains.

Beautiful floors can go a long way towards selling your home. Take a good, honest look at yours. Show your floors some TLC. It might just get your home sold.

If you’re have more questions about tip and ideas that may increase the value of your home, we would love to help. Call us at 214-699-1340 or email us at matt@hretexas.com for more information.

Your East Dallas Realtor,

Matt Twomey
214-699-1340
Highlands Real Estate