What has been swept under the rug?

Posted on February 12, 2010 
Filed Under Listing and Selling Your Home, Things Buyers May Notice, Valerie Zinger

The expression “to sweep under the rug” means to hide something in the hopes that no one will notice.  For some Sellers what is being hidden under an area rug is a damaged hardwood floor.  Maybe there are stains, maybe the wood is cracked, maybe the last sanding on the hardwood took off the veneer and there are spots where no hardwood exists.  Another problem that happens in all homes with area rugs on hardwood is sun damage.  The wood under the rug, not exposed to the sun, will remain a true colour.  The wood exposed is likely a lot lighter in colour.  When Buyers are looking at homes with seemingly wonderful hardwood floors, be sure to check under the area rug to get an indication of the true nature of the floors or write in a condition in the offer to have the floors refinished if there are problems. 

I love this room in the “Beach House”.  See the great area rug.  If this was on the market, I would like to know if the condition of the wood under the rug is as wonderful as that seen at the edges.  When buying a house, get as much information before making an offer as is possible. 

Photo credit:  Beach House Living Room @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/kerryanndame/3776968872/

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