With buyers becoming more selective when looking for a new home, sellers are finding more ways to improve their homes that will not only make them more attractive to buyers, but also provide a great return on investment.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by installing hardwood floors. Hardwood floors make a home look newer while also adding quality and character. In fact, a 2003 study by Prof. G. Stacy Sirmans of Florida State University found that installing hardwood floors increased a home’s sale price by 6 percent (Source: Is Carpet Dead by Christopher Solomon, MSN Real Estate).
“Floors are important because they provide the first impression to buyers,” says Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators. “It’s the first thing a buyer will typically notice, so improving the quality of your floors could mean the difference between selling your home or it staying on the market.”
As the popularity of hardwood floors has grown so has the number of options. “People aren’t just looking for solid hardwood anymore,” says Sullivan. “Pre-finished hardwood is huge, so is cork and bamboo. Even laminate continues to grow in popularity.”
Before installing a new floor in your home, it’s best to know your price range and how the floor will be used.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors give a home the look of luxury and are typically found in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Historically, installing solid hardwood floors has been a time consuming task due to the necessary sanding, sealing and staining. But that no longer has to be the case as the trend has been shifting recently toward pre-finished hardwood floors that carry warranties of up to 50 years.
Bamboo
Because it’s eco-friendly and provides a handsome grain, bamboo continues to increase in popularity for homeowners looking to improve the value of their home while making it “green” at the same time. Bamboo is actually a grass which replenishes itself naturally in the wild, so by using bamboo, you preserve the habitat of endangered wildlife.
Cork
Cork flooring is another option for those who want an eco-friendly material in their home. It is durable, acoustical and an insulator making it a great option for those high traffic areas of your home. Cork is considered a green product because the same tree can be harvested numerous times.
Laminate
Because laminate is durable and low-maintenance, it’s also a good choice for those high-traffic areas in your home. They are also nice for the homeowner on a budget as these floors mimic the look of hardwood at a more reasonable price.
In this highly selective real estate market, sellers need to make a great first impression on a buyer from the moment they set foot in the home. Those who install a new floor stand a better chance at getting a buyer’s attention and sending their home’s value through the roof.
This article was provided by Lumber Liquidators. Lumber Liquidators offers a large selection of styles in hardwood, bamboo, cork and laminate in every price range. Visit them online at www.lumberliquidators.com today.
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