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The last thing a seller wants to hear is that their home is “unsellable”—but is there even such a thing?
In a recent episode of “Unsellable Houses,” HGTV hosts Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis came across a home with floral-patterned carpet in two bedrooms.
“It’s beautiful for someone who has a very specific taste,” said Lamb, before swiftly recommending the seller replace the carpet immediately if they wanted to sell.
At the end of the day, most buyers prefer neutral or solid floors rather than a patterned carpet that may or may not jibe with their vibe. Plus, carpets can convey certain notions are hard to combat (call it the ick factor.)
That’s why, Lamb and Davis made the recommendation to nix the floral ASAP—and other flooring experts agree.
Why carpet (especially patterned) is a deal breaker
Patterned carpet—especially bold geometrics or florals—expresses personal taste and past trends, making it difficult for buyers to view the house as a clean slate.
“Today’s buyers are looking for move-in ready homes, and old carpet just screams ‘remodel required,'” says Yuri Grakovski, flooring expert and owner of Lux Floor Decor, which is based in East Hanover, NJ.
Wall-to-wall carpeting in main living areas is generally considered to be a turnoff since it suggests a dated interior and in some cases, maintenance nightmares.
“For younger buyers, millennials and Gen Z in particular, carpet means allergens, pet odors, and rigorous cleaning routines. They prefer hard floor because it’s cleaner, requires less upkeep, and aligns better with modern design aesthetics,” explains Grakovski.
In addition, hard floors like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or engineered wood hold up much better to heavy foot traffic, which is particularly important in homes with children and/or pets.
What buyers want instead—and where carpet still works
These days, buyers want durable, attractive hard flooring like hardwood, engineered wood, or LVP. These materials not only elevate the aesthetic of a space but are also practical for households with pets, children, or allergy concerns.
However, carpet is still suitable for certain rooms, particularly bedrooms, closets, and finished basements. In bedrooms, plush carpet adds warmth and comfort, and buyers may still respond positively as long as it’s neutral, clean, and relatively new.
“For example, a soft taupe or light gray carpet in a bedroom can be cozy and fresh rather than dated. But in traffic areas like entrances, kitchens, and family rooms, carpet is almost always a drawback in buyers’ minds,” says Grakovski.
He adds that hardwood remains the gold standard for resale value and timeless fashion. It’s in strong demand—especially oak, maple, or hickory in natural or lightly gray-stained colors. Engineered wood has gained huge traction as it offers the same look as solid hardwood with better resistance to moisture at a lower cost, typically $4 to $8 per square foot compared to $8 to $14.
Luxury vinyl plank is increasing in popularity because it’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and mimics wood and stone very well.
“LVP is the new darling of flippers and new builds as it delivers a high-end look for $2 to $5 a square foot,” says Grakovski.
Tile remains the king in warm, humid climates as it keeps homes cool, withstands moisture, and is easy to clean. Porcelain and ceramic tile are especially popular in states like Florida and Arizona and are being installed in living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
In colder climates like the Northeast and Midwest, carpet is still very common, especially in bedrooms, basements, and even living rooms, as it adds insulation and warmth during cold winters.
“Buyers in these areas may not be instinctively turned off by carpet if it is new, clean, and neutral. On the other hand, in Florida, Arizona, and Texas, they expect to find tile or LVP throughout the home, including the living and dining rooms. The heat and humidity in these climates make carpet look unrealistic, and most people are afraid of mold or mildew buildup,” explains Grakovski.
What it costs to remove carpet—and what surprises might come with it
“Carpet removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on how it’s installed and whether it is glued down or simply stretched over tack strips,” says Grakovski. “You’ll also need to factor in haul-away and disposal costs. Should you discover issues underneath like uneven or broken subflooring, you can add another $500 to $2,000 in repair or refinishing costs.”
For example, if there is pet urine-swollen particleboard, or mold from a past water leak, that section of subfloor may need to be entirely replaced. Squeaky floors may also need additional screwing down or leveling.
Also, it’s not uncommon to find stains, pet damage, and mold are when carpet is removed.
“Poor-quality subflooring is another surprise as sometimes builders use cheap materials like particleboard that don’t hold up over time, or they simply never secure the subfloor properly,” explains Grakovski.
While each of these problems can add time and money to a flooring update, they’re worth addressing if you’re attempting to appeal to upscale buyers.
Cleaning vs. replacing: Is professional cleaning worth it?
Professional carpet cleaning may be worth the trouble if the carpet is still in good shape but just looks tired. A typical cleaning costs around $200 to $400 for an average-sized home and can restore the carpet’s appearance while removing surface grime and odors.
“If, however, the carpet is more than eight years old, stained, matted, or worn in a way that it can be seen, cleaning might not be enough to satisfy buyers,” cautions Grakovski.
In this case, replacement is the better option—not just for aesthetic purposes, but also to eliminate ingrained odors or allergens. New neutral-colored carpet or cost-effective LVP can have a huge effect on how updated and clean a home looks.
If you’re preparing to sell, replacing old carpet with something modern and neutral like LVP in living areas and fresh carpet in bedrooms, can drastically improve buyer perception and increase both interest and sale price.
Cleaning is a short-term fix, and if the carpet is also outdated or stained after cleaning, it won’t be make a huge impact.
“However, replacing carpet with LVP is as affordable as $3,000 to $6,000 for an average-sized home and could potentially add $10,000 to$15,000 to your asking price or get it sold faster in a competitive market,” explains Grakovski. “A total replacement is especially a good idea if the rest of the home has been updated, as old carpet will stick out like a sore thumb.”