Having sold everything from classic lofts to the most modern of ultra-luxury apartments and townhouses in New York City’s real estate market, one of the most asked questions I get as a listing broker or buyers is this: “What kind of floors are these?”
If you are thinking of renovating your home or apartment, new kitchens and baths are definitely high on the list of items to transform, however travel with caution if you don’t replace your floors. In cities which have cold winters hardwood floors provide texture and warmth.
New floors make a huge visual impact on your home. Why? As you know, flooring covers your entire apartment. How it appears affects buyer’s impressions of your apartment and therefor its ultimate sale value. How many people skip spending money on their floors. Do. You’ll get it back multiples.
Over the years I’ve had several listings which had old floors. On one which lingered for 3 months on the market buyers could not get past the aged floors. We recommended the seller install new hard wood floors. She invested $15,000 in them – we received an offer to buy within days after it went back on the market, $120,000 above where the most recent offer had been.
I stage properties for my sellers. On a recent sale (and estate) we removed wall-to-wall carpets that had been down for over thirty years. The floor was dark and old. We sanded them, replaced old tiles and lightened them and used a matte polyurethane finish. Within ten days of listing the apartment went to multiple bids and into contract. The refinishing cost? $3,000.
Last week I listed this luxury 2-bedroom condo in Chelsea at 151 West 17th Street (see photo).
The owner spent money replacing the original maple composite floors installed by the original developer with custom wide-plank (5″) white oak, installed over a cushioning sub-floor. The floors look amazing which makes the apartment desirable and they feel like butter underfoot.
Thinking about selling your home and need some design tips for flooring? Feel free to contact me – or – check out this fantastic article from Elle Decor – “The Complete Guide to Hardwood Flooring Types and Costs“. It really breaks down the wood types, and what qualities they have which may make them more or less desirable for your intended use.
Last Tip: If you can afford it, spend the money for hardwood or top quality composite hardwood floors. In Manhattan at least, stay away from laminates that feel have a plastic look or feel to them. Buyers notice laminates immediately and most don’t respond well to them.
Photo Credit: Dooley Images
Compass
110 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10011
