Are you looking to sell a house fast and for top dollar?
You’ll be surprised at how much flooring matters to home buyers. Scratched hardwood floors, worn-out carpets, or stained tiles are surefire ways to kill a sale before it even begins.
On the other hand, new flooring is one of the smartest home improvement moves to sell your house fast. Flooring upgrades can increase home value, improve first impressions, and help homes fly off the market.
This guide will show you how to upgrade flooring to sell a house fast and at the highest price.
Inside This Guide
- Why Flooring Is Important to Home Buyers
- The Top Flooring Options to Increase Resale Value
- Cost-Effective Flooring Updates That Make a Big Impact
- Flooring Upgrade Mistakes to Avoid When Selling
Why Flooring Is Important to Home Buyers
Flooring creates the first impression for the entire house.
The moment a potential buyer steps through the front door, they notice the flooring. It immediately sets the tone for the rest of the property and whether they should move on.
Here’s the reality…
Floors with stains, scratches, and worn-out carpet padding make buyers envision problems that lurk beneath the surface. Buyers don’t want to worry that last year’s flood or new puppy scratches means more problems in the future.
On the other hand, floors in pristine condition tell home buyers you care for the property. Buyers expect flooring updates when they view old houses on the market. And if it’s not there, they question what other work the home needs.
After all, moving is expensive. Buyers have closing costs, moving expenses, and mortgage payments. No one wants to throw hundreds (or thousands) on top for new flooring as well.
This is especially true in hot markets where buyers know their options. Sellers who list houses for sale and work with local real estate agents or Houston cash home buyers are especially interested in home improvement to sell your house fast tips that require little effort. Flooring comes at the top of that list for a reason.
Plus, new flooring often brings returns that blow ROI expectations out of the water.
According to the National Association of Realtors, hardwood floor refinishing or replacement gets an ROI of an estimated 118%! That’s a staggering return for any home improvement project.
Impressive, right?
Top Flooring Options That Boost Resale Value
As with any home improvement strategy, some upgrades are smarter than others. Select the right flooring for your property to entice buyers and command top dollar.
Here are the top flooring materials that increase resale value:
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is the gold standard when it comes to increasing resale value. It’s a timeless and classic flooring that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Real estate agents know hardwood floors go a long way to sell a house fast. Hardwood offers the best mix of appeal and return on investment in new flooring options. The warmth and elegance of real wood also photographs beautifully for listing images.
On top of that, hardwood is one of the more durable flooring options. If installed and maintained properly, it will look new for years to come.
The latest trends in hardwood floors favour:
- Wider planks that accentuate grain patterns
- Lighter tones such as white oak, maple, or birch
- Natural finishes over heavily-stained varieties
Bonus tip:
Existing hardwood flooring doesn’t need to be replaced all the time. Hardwood floor refinishing can restore its shine for a fraction of the cost. And the ROI is even higher.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl planks are having a major moment right now.
The reason?
Vinyl plank technology has advanced so much it fools the most seasoned interior designers into thinking it’s real wood. It’s water-resistant, scratch-proof, and performs well in high-traffic areas.
Plus, LVP can deliver the hardwood look without the price tag. Budget-conscious sellers looking for the most bang for their buck find luxury vinyl to be the perfect balance of appearance and affordability.
It’s also a great flooring for DIY homeowners looking to install new floors themselves.
Tile Flooring
Tile shines in kitchens and bathrooms for several reasons. First, it’s resistant to moisture and stains, which is a common problem in kitchens and bathrooms.
Buyers also know tile is easier to clean and maintain. There’s no dusting or vacuuming required with tiles. Modern designs also give homeowners a lot of options, from minimalist chic to bold and colourful designs.
If you choose tile, stick with neutral colours and classic looks. Too trendy or bold and buyers will run for the hills.
Budget-Friendly Flooring Updates That Pay Off
One full-on flooring replacement is not always necessary. Small upgrades can also sell a home by making it more attractive to home buyers.
Here are a few budget-friendly options:
- Deep clean carpets and hardwood floors
- Refinish instead of replacing hardwood
- Upgrade flooring in high-impact rooms
- Keep flooring consistent across main living areas
Did you know almost 75% of US homes were built before 2000? A big reason is the flooring needs to be upgraded or replaced.
By taking care of that problem before selling, you give your house an edge over the competition. If the home next door still has those ugly original shag carpeting? You know buyers are moving right past them.
See also: How Often Should You Check Business Credit?
Flooring Upgrade Mistakes to Avoid
Flooring is one of those areas where you can do a few things and lose potential buyers. Avoid these mistakes when it comes to flooring for houses for sale.
Go Too Trendy
Nothing turns buyers off like trendy or overly-busy flooring. Bold geometric patterns and dark, dramatic hardwoods may be hot on social media, but buyers want something timeless.
Stick to neutral flooring colours and classic patterns that don’t date.
Mistake #2: Ignore the Neighbourhood
Flooring upgrades should be appropriate for the area and price range.
Premium hardwood in a first-time buyer’s neighbourhood isn’t going to get a return on investment. Nor is cheap laminate flooring in a high-end area.
Know your local market and design appropriately.
Mistake #3: DIY Flooring Installation
Save some money by installing new flooring yourself? Buyers can spot a bad DIY job from a mile away.
Gaps in wood planks, uneven surfaces, visible seams, or mismatched flooring materials scream “DIY.” Hire a professional for a flooring installation if you’re not sure how to do it right.
Mistake #4: Forget about Flow
Mixing different flooring in every room can feel disjointed and messy. Buyers want homes with flow that lead from one space to the next naturally.
Consider the flow between rooms and opt for consistent flooring in main living areas. It creates a cohesive look and makes spaces feel larger.
Flooring for Houses for Sale: The Bottom Line
Flooring is one of the most effective areas to spend your time and money on to sell a house fast.
First impressions are everything to home buyers. New flooring upgrades show you care about the property and it’s well-maintained.
Plus, the right flooring upgrades increase home value. Hardwood floors have the highest ROI and appeal, while LVP and tile are great in kitchens and bathrooms.
Remember these takeaways:
- Hardwood has the best ROI and buyer appeal
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) offers a budget-friendly alternative
- Tile works best in high-moisture areas
- Upgrade only where needed and keep it consistent in living areas
- Neutral, timeless colours and styles outperform trendy looks
Sellers know houses that sell fastest are the ones that are move-in ready. Buyers want to move in and live, not move in and start renovations.
Upgrading flooring for houses for sale takes away one of the biggest barriers to buying. It makes your home show better, sell faster, and for top dollar.
That’s the competitive edge every seller wants in today’s market.
