What About That Wallpaper?

In the world of home décor, wallpaper and borders are in and out, like the proverbial tide. Although wallpaper can be a wonderful enhancement to any decorating plan, most of today’s buyers want a house with an updated, neutral background. If you installed wallpaper or borders the last time you decorated, plan to remove them when you sell. Removal is especially important if your wallpaper is over ten years old, as many of the colors used in the past, like burgundy, navy blue and forest green are not popular today. Typical patterns, such as quaint florals, golf or hunting scenes and dark plaids will severely limit the appeal of your house. The same is true of children’s wallpaper and borders.

Living in your house is different from selling it, so don’t be dismayed by the standard recommendation to remove all the wallpaper and borders. It isn’t a criticism of your decorating! There is nothing wrong with having wallpaper you enjoy when you’re living in the house. However, when you sell, the goal is to attract the widest range of buyers, and this requires an understated, neutral décor with a few colorful accessories for impact.

Unless wallpaper has a simple, ambiguous pattern, or a texture like grasscloth, leaving it in place is a mistake. Not only can wallpaper look tired and dated in person, it doesn’t photograph well, and you need compelling pictures on the internet to attract buyers. If your house looks dated, buyers will move to the next house because today they have many choices.

Some basics about dealing with wallpaper:

• Never paint over wallpaper. Most buyers will know that this has made removal of the paper exceptionally difficult, if they should decide to make a change.
• Removal of wallpaper and borders can be relatively simple, if they were installed correctly, or a difficult, messy, time-consuming job. Even professionals don’t know what problems they’ll encounter until they begin, and sometimes the removal process causes damage to the walls.
• Expect the unexpected. Until the wallpaper is down, you won’t know the condition of the walls. They may be perfect, or they may require cosmetic repairs before repainting.
• Once the paper is removed, the walls must be washed and primed before they are painted.
  

Smart Selling Tip:
Remove wallpaper and borders to create an updated, neutral look that will photograph well and appeal to all buyers.