Will carpeting kill my resale value?
Sometime yes.
Sometimes no.
In a town that brought you the likes of Betsy Ross, and Ben Franklin, Philadelphia history sells. And every buyer asks if there are hardwood floors underneath the carpeting. Guaranteed. Historic charm, and hardwood flooring seem to go hand in hand. I am guessin’ George Washington didn’t have shag carpeting in his living room.
However, there is a place for carpeting. And that would be the master bedroom. I have dark chocolate brown low pile carpeting throughout my entire master suite, and I believe it is not only appropriate, but also an enhancement to the enjoyment of the “quieter” area of my Center City Condo.
A limited amount of quality, good looking carpet in a bedroom, or a guest bedroom will enhance that particular space. But carpeting needs to be used sparingly in order to garner a positive response from a buyer.
I have seen carpeting in kitchens and bathrooms. Talk about a death sentence. Who the hell would want that? Ditto for carpeting in living rooms, dining rooms, and family rooms. At least that seems to be the case for most Philadephia real estate buyers.
Carpeting will indeed kill your resale value if not modern, clean, and modest in terms of appearance and use. Most new Philly condos (new construction high rises) have finally begun to follow this trend, and I think the positive emotion such usage evokes is money well spent.
Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106
