Wallpaper? - Get Rid of It!

I can see that removing wallpaper from higher end houses being a good thing for sales... But I think it also depends on the person. Where I live there are tons of heritage houses with wallpaper and old wood floors and such and I think it would be a shame to remove something that gives the place so much character. Just my two cents

You know Nick, I probably should have made a caveat that wallpaper does have its place in cetain circumstances and can compliment a theme if done in context with the theme. However, my experiences tell me that more often than not, the wallpaper is either not installed properly, limits the ability of a new owner to create a space to their liking or is just flat out dated in its use. Wallpaper in period homes that helps to conjure up emotions of a homes original character fall into a category I was not really targeting, but, nonetheless you make a valid point and in cases such as you describe can actually help...Thanks for pointing that out.

Ryan, We just picked up a home where we live that was on the market for over a year due to some pretty blinding wallpaper --- minus the wallpaper, the 1920's English cottage home was in fantastic shape. It's a vintage home and the sellers had reduced the price from 2005 prices and reduced it even more when we purchased it. One of the First things we did was peel all the blinding flowery wallpaper (took two days) and gave it some modern paint resulting in a Vintage home with a modern touch and a home with a lot of instant equity. When we come across homes like this with buyers, changing wallpaper and paint is not that expensive and can result in some pretty good instant equity.... we make sure we reiterate to our buyers the potential of making them your colors and looking past outdated tastes. (Especially in our area of Chicago.)

Paul, This is exactly why I try to recommed to my sellers to remove it. The cost to remove and repaint is less than the reduction in sales price (or lack of sale). So for a seller, it can negatively impact their negotiating position or, ultimately, the sales price. From a buyers perspective, it can be a blessing if they are willing to do the work.

Wall paper="grandma house". In my market with the very young demographics wall paper is always a loser. I might put your post on my blog with your permission with appropriate links directly to you, Ryan???? jay

Jay, Go for it! Any chance to pass on some good advice that might help someone we should try to spread. Thank you