Which would you prefer?

[Lady de Winter]

There is a good possibility that I will be putting my house on the market sometime in 2007. The current carpet of the house is not in bad shape, but it is a dusty rose color. I would *love* to get new carpet because the color is a little too "retirement home waiting room" for me, but maybe other people would like it. I'm torn about which way to go.

So, if you were a potential buyer of my home, would you rather see new, neutral carpeting? Would you be fine with the dusty rose colored carpeting? Or would you expect a flooring allowance on the purchase of the house? (a few thousand dollars off the price in order for you to install new carpet of your choosing)

 

[Beth76]

I would prefer an allowance to choose what I want. And that way the carpet can be installed in between moves without having to worry about moving furniture and all that crap. Besides if you go ahead and replace it now, you could still have spills that don't clean up.

 

[XOoOoVEEoOoOX]

i would prefer the allowance, because I dont like carpeting at all, so I could put the allowance towards laminate, wood, or tile floors

 

[rkwells]

If I were a buyer I would rather get an allowance. However, if I were trying to sell I would probably install new neutral flooring. I think it will make your house more immediately marketable and you will get a better price. You don't want a buyer to see it as a fixer-upper and try to get the price down.

 

[rayelias]

I would prefer the allowance. However, I think changing the carpets to something neutral would help the house show better and sell quicker. People, many times, can't see beyond what is already there.

 

[Chilehead Too]

I would install new carpet that is neutral. Personally I would change any carpets in a house that I purchased regardless of color. Just a quirk I have about used carpeting.

 

[tar heel]

I'm with everyone else. As a buyer, I would like the allowance, BUT you'll sell your house more quickly with new neutral carpet.

 

[CEDmom]

While I'd love to get a flooring allowance, you might have trouble selling the house with the current carpet. People may have trouble seeing themselves in the house. I'd go with installing neutral carpet - nothing high end but just good enough to entice a sale. Good luck.

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

I agree with the other posters. Out real estate agent told us that most people want to move into a house without the need to make improvements. They want it to be ready with neutral colors on the walls and floor. She also told us that removing wallpaper would help a house sell too.

 

[hlbtimes2]

I agree with a few of the others- I would like an allowance, but I think new carpet will help the house sell faster for the most money.

 

[ilovejack02]

I agree with a few of the others- I would like an allowance, but I think new carpet will help the house sell faster for the most money.

RIght, as a recent seller I say put down neutral plain carpet. Dont spend a bunch, because it might get pulled up. BUT the cleaner and newer the house looks the faster it will sell.

 

[highland3]

I'm all for a nice, neutral carpet.

 

[horseshowmom]

I'm with everyone else. As a buyer, I would like the allowance, BUT you'll sell your house more quickly with new neutral carpet.

Same here...

 

[Pooh67_68]

i would prefer the allowance, because I dont like carpeting at all, so I could put the allowance towards laminate, wood, or tile floors

 

[1Prince2Princesses]

I have to agree... I'd go with installing some new carpet. But I would definitely not do anything too outrageous in price. As long as it looks good, you've done what you need to as a seller.

 

[azgal81]

Allowance I would tear it up and put down wood anyway.

 

[minnieandme]

I'd say go with neutral carpet. It will sell faster and it will blend in better with the furniture.

 

[Pigeon]

I would be much more inclined to buy it if it already had hardwood floors.

 

[Va-bear]

I would want the allowance and if your house is in one of those "hot" neighborhoods where it will sell no matter what color tha floors are, go for it, it will attract some buyers to have that option.(As mentioned above they might want the money for hardwood.) BUT, a Realtor would say get the neutral installed....

I would probably try it two weeks w/ the allowance and then get it replaced if thats possible (if you schedule it the first day its on the market, most will come in two weeks and do it in a matter of hours.)

Good luck!!!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I would rather have the allowance. When we bought our current home, the previous owners had just installed new carpeting to sell the home. It must be the cheapest carpeting ever made! Every time we vacuum, the carpet fiber fills (yes, FILLS) the vacuum bag. But with two little ones, I'm not going to replace it right away, we just have to live with shedding carpets for awhile.