Should I replace my carpet before putting house on the market?

Hi Cindie, good question. You should definitely check with your realtor first. He/she could give insight on what most clients prefer. I'd like the allowance personally, that way as the buyer, I could have what I want. Hope this helps!

Cindie I would say the carpet should be replaced with either new carpet or wood floor. Wood floored homes do sell better as a rule. Either way, a 20 yr old carpet should be replaced.

If the carpet is in good shape and the color is current have it professionally cleaned.

Keep the idea of a flooring allowance between you and your realtor. Instead of pigeon holing these funds as a "flooring" allowance (and possibly putting unnecessary focus on the condition of the carpet), bring it to the table as a negotiating tool-- either as a price drop on the home or use to offset the buyer's closing costs.

I would have it cleaned and only if necessary offer a carpet allowance. If you were to replace it with wood flooring, you most likely will not get the return in investment that you would on something like say a bathroom or a kitchen remodel. While many home buyers want a turn key home, they also may like to pick out their own flooring. You run the risk of picking something that the buyer may not like wasting your time and money in the long run.

Get it cleaned. Buyers may not like what you replace it with. And you would not recoup what you spend. If it's brought up in negotiations or a contract offer a flooring allowance. Don't give anything away unless it's brought up.

If there is wood under your carpets then remove the rug and clean or refinish them. This can be a good value to you as the current owner.

Everyone buying a house has their own idea on what they want. Some want to do major overhauls and others are just fine with what is there. Just be sure the carpets are clean and you'll be good.

Don't offer an allowance unless the buyer or your realtor negotiates this with closing.

Comment from Naomie Moore

William hit the nail right on the head! Talk to your realtor and don't offer anything unless is becomes a bone of contention, which I doubt will happen.

FYI....Been a home builder and realtor for a long time. I had sellers ask me if they should replace this or that. I would advise them to clean the home, remove clutter, remove personal items. If something needed to be repaired. But don't replace with the assumption of a quicker sale or more money. Nothing that you do will get you a 100% return.

Cindie,

Following your other question about replacing the vanity, it seems you are going through what every home seller goes through; what to spend money on to boost the sellability of your home vs. the return you will actually get as well as the advice from your realtor. Don't feel desperate. It will lead you to expensive decisions that will not put more money in your pocket. The rug is not an issue until a potential buyer make it an issue. Once you have an open house, you will get feedback on how potential buyers see your home and you can then make changes if you really feel the need to. The other thing to take into account is the overall condition of your property. If you have just a few cosmetic items to address that's different than major systems that need replacing. What did your home inspection show when you bought the house? What will a buyers inspection turn up? Those things are more important. Do what you can to boost the appeal of your home without spending a lot. Price your home realistically for your market. The right buyer will come along and you'll be glad you did not spend all kinds of money on something you might see sitting on the curb a month from now.