Expert: Jessica Bryan - 5/25/2006

Question
Dear Ms. Bryan:    I am challenged in trying to decide whether to put new flooring in my otherwise nicely finished basement.  I am trying to sell my house in an area where most houses have a completely finished basement.  In my price range, one agent called the market balanced.  There is little comparable competition right now in my immediate neighborhood.  Local agents had a dry spell in January/February and seem hungry.  Real estate agents that I've shown the house to have different opinions about the flooring.  I had it torn up because water got in my basement (a one-time fluke).  One realtor thinks I m smart to leave the choice of floorcovering there to the next owner.  Another said it will make prospects uneasy, because they may think the problem leading to the water issue isn t solved (which is not true).  It certainly would be more visually attractive with a floorcovering.  I would so appreciate your weighing in on this issue.  It is a large cost to incur, about $2,000.  So I don t know if it will be worthwhile, given that it is a basement space, not an upper level area.  Thank you in advance for any help you can give in this matter.

Answer
Dear Sharon;
I would put in a very inexpensive neutral carpeting. The difference between a mid-price carpet and really cheap carpet is not only appearance but durability.  However, you don't have to worry about how long the carpet will last.  Just put something in that will look okay until the home sells.  Chances are the new owners will keep the carpet for a while but may change it out for their own taste later anyway.  The new carpet will make the place look larger, fresher and not bring negative attention to the basement.  If the expense is what is bothering you, put it in and raise the price of the home to  accomodate the new carpet.  You may get a higher price on the home rather than a lower offer that the lack of carpet may encourage.  When a home looks good people are more likely to give close to full price.  When a home needs some attention or work, people offer lower than the price of the actual work needed.  You will probably make more money in the long run and have happier, less fault-finding buyers.

I hope that this helps with your decision.
Sincerely,
Jessica Bryan
Managing Broker
House to Home Realty Services