Opinions needed re: carpet for sale of house

We have carpeting in the living room that has definitely seen better days. DH thinks that we should replace it before we put the house on the market. I think we should leave it be.

Personally, I don't pay attention to carpeting when I'm looking at a house because I'm probably going to rip it out anyway. He thinks that it could effect the sale of the house. My LR is small...to replace the carpet would be around $1,000-ish. I just don't think its necessary and I say let the new owners replace it.

Would knowing that you would have to replace a small area of carpeting affect your offer on a house?

Re: Opinions needed re: carpet for sale of house

Is there hardwood underneath? If so, maybe just tell your realtor to let buyers know that (and even lift up a small corner to show them). If not, I may consider replacing it. If it's a small area and 1 room you can do it for MUCH cheaper than $1k! We did my daughters room with brand new carpet and padding (good quality on both) for around $300.

Re: Opinions needed re: carpet for sale of house

I think at the very least you should have it professionally cleaned so that it looks its best.

Everything a potential buyer can find "wrong" with the house will take dollars off his or her offer, from my experience and that of those I know who have recently bought or sold.

Good luck - hope you get a quick sale!

Re: Opinions needed re: carpet for sale of house

I wouldn't replace it, because if its not their taste, what a waste. When I bought this place I asked asked for a carpet credit because the carpet had seen better days.

Now I'm trying to sell my place. The kids rooms the carpet is a bit worn but I"m not replacing the carpets, however I am willing to give a credit IF asked. I also pulled up a piece in the closet to show there are hardwood floors underneath.

ETA: If there was bad staining or odors because of a pet, I WOULD replace...but that doesn't seem to be the issue.

Message edited 1/13/2011 3:06:59 PM.

Re: Opinions needed re: carpet for sale of house

There is not hard wood underneath. The house is a legal 2 family and we are upstairs. DH started with that first. He thought hard wood or laminate would look nicer but I feel that will decrease the marketability of the 2 family b/c people will be living downstairs.

We have a professional cleaner so they will definitely be cleaned. i just didn't want the hassle of replacing the carpet. Thanks!

Re: Opinions needed re: carpet for sale of house

We replaced carpeting in one room of our house prior to sale 2 years ago.
Less than a week after closing, we drove past the house and the brand new carpeting (less than 1 month old) was at the curb.

For me personally, I hate carpeting and can tell you that if I am looking at a house, with carpeting, I know that it is coming out in the first 30 days after purchase - no matter what is under it.

Perhaps an area rug that could be used in your new home would deflect the wear and you could take it with you.

Re: Opinions needed re: carpet for sale of house

I wouldn't replace it, I would just clean it. Carpet would be a minus for us, I'll be honest with you. So it wouldn't really matter how nice or nasty the carpet is, I would tear it out and install hardwood floors. That's me, but I think hardwoods are popular these days in general.

I would have it cleaned professionally and make it look as nice as possible and leave it alone.

Re: Opinions needed re: carpet for sale of house

Our house had the most retched carpeting in it. We ignored the carpeting bc I wasn't going to live with what some stranger's bare feet touched for 30 years.

I'd clean it, but that is the extent to what I'd do in your case.