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Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

If the rest of the house looks good except for the carpet, than replace it.

If however the house needs many upgrades, don't bother.

Eve

Mar 21, 2016 06:56 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Prepare the house for the buyer's eye !

Mar 21, 2016 06:27 AM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

I'm with Jeff Dowler on this one, replace with a neutral color so that the house shows fresher.

Mar 21, 2016 08:18 AM
Rainer
150,416
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

Replace or discount. Allowances are hard to "sell", and harder to get the lenders to be OK with.

Mar 21, 2016 07:32 AM
Rainer
289,607
Byron K . Jones
Coatesville, PA
List Today - Sold Tomorrow!

Replace before...buyers see carpet neglected, what else did the seller neglect...

Mar 21, 2016 06:59 AM
Rainmaker
785,458
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

Replaced it. Bob Crane I agreed with u.

Mar 21, 2016 09:41 AM
Ambassador
6,393,179
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Logically it may make more sense to wait, but most are slaves to their first impressions so most will suggest replacing the carpet.

Mar 21, 2016 07:25 AM
Ambassador
5,049,058
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It depends, but likely better to replace with a neutral carpet of good quality.

Mar 21, 2016 06:56 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

It depends. We jsut went through this on a condo with Berber that had some worn places. Got estimate for new cheap builder grade neutral for $1500.00 Owner hated it. Called carpet cleaners- and had it cleaned for $180.00. The cleaned carpet was good enough in this case. If you're going to buy new carpet, at least get the middle grade or better.

Mar 21, 2016 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

The sellers should replace the carpet.  

Sellers often push back and say they want to give an allowance because the buyer may replace the carpet anyway.  

Unfortunately and very predictably, buyers apply a much higher dollar amount to replace carpet than sellers do.

Most importantly, the worn carpet is a distraction and gives the impression that the seller failed to care for the home and this could result in a lower offer and a longer repair list. 

Mar 21, 2016 06:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Depends on the condition of that carpet. You have one chance to make an impression. 

Mar 21, 2016 06:20 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

To me carpet, paint, and front landscaping are good items to invest money in.

Mar 21, 2016 06:12 AM
Rainmaker
108,016
Scott Lawson
America's Home loans - Santa Rosa, Petaluma Mortgage Broker - Santa Rosa, CA
Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, refinance or purchase

Carpet allowance-- as in escrow hold-back? If there's a loan involved, be careful. Many investors will not allow a hold-back like this anymore. Better to get a seller credit for closing costs equal to the cost of re-carpeting and call it a day...

Mar 21, 2016 06:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

It may depend on the entirety of the offering - if the home is deeply discounted and offered as a fixer, perhaps not. If the home has a lot of competition among newer/more upgraded homes, possibly. One thing in my experience--when a carpet allowance is offered, buyers tend to then lowball and expect the allowance on top. So if you're going to allow for carpet, might as well replace it.

Mar 21, 2016 06:09 AM
Rainer
42,670
Fred Hafdelin
Weichert Realtors - Mountain Lakes, NJ

If a good shampoo won't make the carpet resentable I would recommend that it be replaced. Sometimes a buyer can't envision the room with a new carpet if there is a worn carpet in place.

Mar 22, 2016 06:08 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Fresh paint and carpet are basics that attract buyers.

Mar 21, 2016 11:55 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Replace - or price accordingly

Mar 21, 2016 10:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I like it to be replaced. Worn carpaet can drive buyers away or lead to much lower offers. 

Mar 21, 2016 10:32 PM
Rainmaker
420,985
Christopher Pagli
William Raveis Legends Realty Group - Tarrytown, NY
"I Stay Open Until You Close"

I would change it prior as you only get one first impression.  Having the carpet there for buyers to see and telling them it could be there when they buy it are two different feelings.

Mar 21, 2016 09:28 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

In my opinion, allowances don't work - replace the carpeting or reflect the condition of the home in the listing price.   

Mar 21, 2016 08:53 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Chrissi. Both ways will work, I always prefer to see that carpet replaced prior to getting the property on the market, as first impression is important.

Mar 21, 2016 07:03 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Chrissi Chapman Topoleski I think replacing the carpet before the home is on market is a better idea.

Mar 21, 2016 03:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

No.  Who wants carpet anymore?  I've seen people spend good money to do that only to have buyers say "WTF were they thinking putting in CARPET?!?!?!?!" and then rip it out and put in wood floors.

Mar 21, 2016 02:28 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I think it depends on the caliber of the house.  If it is in really bad shape and the house will not sell, I might suggest replacing it.

Mar 21, 2016 02:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Yes if it is really dirty or thread-bare it looks bad.

Mar 21, 2016 01:56 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

In my marekt it depends where the carpet is located. In the living room, wood is the primary product that sells so new carpet could hurt and the buyer may have wanted an allowance or concession. In the bedrooms new carpet helps.

Mar 21, 2016 12:42 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

replace! 

Mar 21, 2016 12:39 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Chrissi

If it was used as a rental and has soiled. I replace the carpet.  It is fashionable to have hardwood floor and is often more affordable...... Just a few bucks per sf vs $15 for quality carpet....

Mar 21, 2016 11:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

It depends on the particular situation.

Mar 21, 2016 11:21 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I would suggest replacing the carpet. You want to make a good impression on the showings. But if the rest of the house also needs work, then consider value pricing and go with it. The investor buyer might just love the opportunity. 

Mar 21, 2016 11:19 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Always best to replace in my own opinion.

 

Mar 21, 2016 11:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

I think Mike & Eve Alexander got this one right

Mar 21, 2016 10:56 AM
Rainmaker
564,720
Women of Westchester Working Together
Women of Westchester Working Together - West Harrison, NY
Women helping Women get ahead

In our market, many have hardwood under the carpet, so it is ideal to rip up the carpet & refinish the wood.  It costs less than replacing carpet and improves value and speeds up the sale.

If it's carpet for carpet, given those 2 choices, it's generally better to replace it.  It will show better and sell faster and better value vs. someone discounting for the inconvenience.

Mar 21, 2016 10:47 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have had luck both ways, but one small room I would replace it

Mar 21, 2016 10:03 AM
Rainmaker
644,025
Greg Large
ERA Real Solutions - Grove City, OH
A Tradition of Trust

Buyers buy from what they SEE so replacing is better so it shows better. Allowances generally favor the Buyer, not the Seller because they estimate it will cost much more to replace than it actually does, at least in my experience.

Mar 21, 2016 09:48 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,605
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Replacing it is the way to go

 

Mar 21, 2016 09:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

It varies with the condition of the rest of the home.

Mar 21, 2016 09:23 AM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

IMHO, Carpet is a cosmetic item.

Mar 21, 2016 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

First impressions count!! Today's buyers have a hard time falling in love with a 'fixer-upper' even with an allowance that may or may not fly with the lender.

Mar 21, 2016 08:34 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

My first thought is 'no' Chrissi Chapman Topoleski.  We see alot of old, stained original carpet here in our community, and most Buyers now want it gone, and want tile in it's place.  Wood laminate is also very popular, and both tile and laminate are preferred 'over' carpet.  I've even seen some who didn't like a house that had different colored wood laminate in the bedrooms, than what was in the entire rest of the house.  A carpet allowance is always a consideration, though it depends if that is what you feel is needed as a 'deal breaker' or 'deal maker'.    

Mar 21, 2016 08:06 AM
Rainmaker
556,790
DEANNA C. SMITH CERTIFIED MOBILE NOTARY
Certified Mobile Notary Signing Agent - Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Highest Ranked Certified Mobile Notary in Virginia

You've got me sitting on the fence on this one, Chrissi.   As much as I want to say replace it before the sale to get a higher offer, I wonder if the offer wouldn't be lower because what was put in is not in the buyer's taste and they want to rip it out as soon as the deal closes.

At the same time, that same buyer might prefer you leave the existing worn carpet, just clean it, and give them a carpet allowance so they can get that special patterned, polka dot, striped, five color shag they have always wanted.

How about we go middle of the road ?  Pull out the old carpet, buff and stain the underlying wood floor and let them decide whether they want carpet and the related dust etc.   That way neither seller or buyer spent money on NEW carpeting the other one didn't want.   Problem solved !

Mar 21, 2016 07:40 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Chrissi,

You have good answers from the community.  I don't understand how people are willing to live with worn out and stained carpeting in the first place.  A

Mar 21, 2016 06:37 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

 I would think depends on how worn the carpet is. A credit for new homeowners to replace with their choice of flooring would be my answer.  

Mar 21, 2016 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

I think the home would sell faster with new carpeting.

Mar 21, 2016 06:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

There are some good inexpensive carpets to put down; remember one person's dollar is another's hundred so no to the allowance.

Mar 21, 2016 06:10 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Depends on how bad the carpet is. Tearing it out may be a good option and then a carpet allowance offered. There is no second chance on first impression rule.... holds

Mar 21, 2016 06:09 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,482
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I have found most buyers cannot estimate correctly, and usually best to replace it versus offering a carpet allowance.

Mar 22, 2016 11:37 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

All or nothing at all.  Either change it up front or leave it and let the buyer ask for a credit if they so choose.

Mar 22, 2016 07:29 AM
Rainmaker
516,437
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

I have to agree with Mike & Eve Alexander.  If that is all that is lacking, the homeowner would get a better price for the home if it was replaced.  It depends on what the homeowner can afford and what else needs to be done. Sometimes something as small as new flooring, can make a huge difference in the return on investment.

Mar 21, 2016 11:48 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

I agree with Mike & Eve Alexander but would add that sometimes the carpet is terrible and then  it should be replaced even if the rest of the house needs work too.

Mar 21, 2016 07:12 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I honestly prefer carpet allowances because I think replacing flooring is a waste of time if the people are just going to yank it out anyway...

Mar 21, 2016 03:07 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Chrissi, most of my clients really hate wall-to-wall, at least in the living/dining areas and would want to replace it with wood.  But it's not a great idea to try to sell a house with nasty carpet.  I'm a big help here!

Mar 21, 2016 01:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Buyers can no longer tell what the home will look like with new carpet or flooring. I've been convinced of this for years now.

The house with the least amount of work will win with an offer.

Seller always loves to throw in 'but what if they decide to rip it out'. Who cares! You've sold your house!

Mar 21, 2016 10:14 AM