CHAPTER 8
TACTICS FOR MORE SHOWINGS AND MORE MONEY Floors are a key in your home. Buyers will be sure to notice how worn they are and if the floors need to be replaced. Replacement can be expensive and difficult. Installing new floor coverings of any kind, including carpeting, hardwood, or tile, can get pricey. Costs vary widely, based on the size of your rooms and the flooring material used. Fortunately, replacement is not your only option. Use these cleaning tips to avoid expensive flooring work. Carpeting: Carpets take a beating. General traffic, pets, children, muddy shoes, coffee, and wine all leave their calling cards on your carpeting. Unless you have been extremely fussy about your carpeting, it shows signs of use. This job calls for more than a good vacuum. Shampoo: You can often rent or purchase a carpet shampooer inexpensively. If your carpet does not have stains, spruce it up with a good washing: • Move furniture out of the rooms you need to shampoo. • Follow the shampooer’s instructions. • Go over the carpet thoroughly to remove all soap residue. • Keep traffic off the carpet until it is completely dry. You should see a significant difference in both the smell and look of your carpet. Buyers will notice the fresh, clean feeling, too. Steam Clean: Stained carpets need more in-depth treatment than a regular carpet shampooer can offer. If that is the case, go with a steam cleaning and spot treatment. Either rent a steam cleaning machine or hire a professional carpet cleaner.
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