Floor the Competition
When people enter your home they usually look down before up, so that first step is vital for attracting a homebuyer and making a great first impression. This is one reason why more people are installing hardwood floors in their homes.
Hardwood flooring enhances the look of any room and can create a classic ambiance that will beautify the interior design of your home. Real Estate agents agree that homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster and for higher prices.
Last year, 99 percent of the real estate agents responding to a national survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association agreed that homes with hardwood floors are easier to sell. The survey also found that 82 percent believe that homes with hardwood floors sell faster and 90 percent said they would sell for more money.
We are now finding homes in all prices having hardwood in The Napervillle, Illinois area. This is a good sign as hardwood use to be found only in more expensive homes.
The American Hardwood Information Center adds that restoring hardwood flooring in the home is one of the best long-term investments to be made. I especially recommend this prior to selling your home.
“Hardwood floors are environmentally friendly, forever fashionable, and will last for generations,” said Pembroke Jacobs, president of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association. “Plus, with an expected life span of up to 100 years for certain premium hardwood flooring, you can be assured that that the hardwood really is a one-time investment with a very long-term payoff.”
I often find that even new carpeting does not impress potential buyers, but hardwood floors are always a draw. Engineered wood floors impart warmth, depth and richness to a home’s decor that cannot be matched by carpeting, tile or vinyl flooring. Rugs like those above, which can be cleaned thoroughly, can change a room for the seasons when you want a softer look. Many local places sell large area rugs that work great with hardwood. The options are endless.
Despite the existence of modern architectural trends in flooring, hardwood can still compete with floor tiles and other artificial materials. It comes in a variety of colors and grains; light, medium, or dark shades; and a variety of sizes, styles, finishes and species.
Maple, mahogany and oak are the most popular woods, but some homeowners are investing in exotics such as Brazilian cherry.
The Environmental Protection Agency has said that indoor air quality is one of the top health threats and wood floors can help contribute to a healthy living environment. In fact, a recent EPA study found that pesticides used in gardens and homes accumulate on floors and other surfaces in the home, but that wood floors greatly reduce the accumulation of such toxins. This is especially true with carpeting near entry ways. Hardwood floors also do not trap or harbor dust mites or molds. This is good news for people with allergies.
I have noticed when showing foreclosed homes in the Naperville, Illinois area which have been generally closed up and not maintained for sometime, that when the flooring is hardwood the overall feel and smell of the home is much better because their is no carpeting which tends to hold many odors. These foreclosed homes generally sell for more money also.
Slate, ceramic and many other type of hard surface flooring can be easily incorporated with hardwood if you would like to have a different look. This is especially true in bathrooms which really is the only room where hardwood may not be the flooring of choice. I personally have had good luck with hardwood in my powder room and laundry without any problems.
Though wood floors will probably need to be refinished at some point, when properly taken care of they are much easier to maintain than other floor surfaces. I find they can goes as long as 20 years before they need refinishing.
The NWFA recommends regular sweeping of hardwood floors with a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to remove surface dirt and debris. I personally use a light vacuum and swifter mop.
Consider Hardwood for your home today and selling tomorrow.
Tamara Schuster, Broker Naperville, Il can be reached at 630.886.9596. Prudential Elite Naperville is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
