The #1 Flooring Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands

Selling Your Home?

You’ve staged every room, polished the countertops until they sparkle, and taken stunning listing photos. Everything looks perfect—until the first buyers walk through the door.

Then, you see it.

That slight hesitation. The shift in their expression. The unspoken “Oh.”

It’s the floors.

Maybe it’s the outdated tile. Maybe it’s the worn-out wood that looked fine to you but screams “expensive repair” to them. Or maybe—worst of all—it’s the brand-new flooring you just installed, thinking it would add value.

And now? Those buyers are mentally calculating renovation costs. They’re making excuses. They’re moving on.

I’ve seen it happen again and again. The wrong flooring choice can tank your home’s appeal before buyers even make it past the entryway. That’s why, in my latest video, I’m breaking down the biggest flooring mistakes that hurt home sales, the smartest choices for resale, and the #1 flooring decision that could cost you thousands.

Why Flooring Matters More Than You Think

Buyers don’t just see flooring—they calculate it. They walk in and immediately think:

🤔 How much time and money will it take to rip this out?

And if the answer is “too much,” they’re out.

Replacing flooring is a hassle. It’s expensive, messy, and time-consuming. Buyers don’t want to deal with it after closing—they want move-in ready. They’re already spending a fortune on a house, and the last thing they want is to start a major flooring project the second they get the keys.

I’ve personally seen homes sit on the market for months simply because the floors were a dealbreaker. And it’s not always because they were in bad shape—it’s because they were wrong for what buyers wanted.

Case in point: One home I worked with had been sitting unsold for way too long. Why? Terrible tile.

It wasn’t broken. It wasn’t dirty. But it was everywhere, and buyers took one look at it and walked right back out the door. They didn’t want the cost or the headache of removing it.

Luckily, my buyers had a plan. We negotiated a flooring credit that was almost double what it actually cost to replace the tile. But here’s the thing—not every buyer thinks that way. Most just see a house that’s too much work and move on.

If your floors scream “expensive renovation,” you’re setting yourself up for a longer sale, lower offers, or—worst case—no offers at all.

That’s why it’s critical to get your flooring right before you list your home.

Who Should You Actually Listen to About Flooring?

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make? Asking the wrong person for advice.

A lot of people ask their real estate agent what floors to install. And while I can absolutely tell you what sells and what buyers want… I’m not a decorator.

A real estate agent can tell you:

✔ What buyers love ✔ What adds value ✔ What flooring choices turn people away

But if you’re asking about style, color, or what’s trending? That’s a decorator’s job.

Homeowners often choose flooring based on their personal taste, rather than what appeals to buyers. Then, a few years later, they go to sell and realize… they made a huge mistake.

💡 The floors they loved? Buyers hate.

That’s why it’s always worth consulting a professional before making any major flooring decisions. They know what’s in style, what works for different home types, and what has the broadest buyer appeal.

If you’re never moving and want your dream home? Do whatever you love! But if selling is in your future, think about resale—because the right flooring makes you money, and the wrong one? It costs you.

What Flooring Actually Adds Value?

If you’re looking to maximize your home’s resale value, there’s one clear winner: hardwood.

✅ Timeless & classic – Works in nearly every home style ✅ Adds warmth – Buyers love the look and feel ✅ Durable – Can be refinished instead of replaced ✅ Increases perceived value – Homes with hardwood sell for more

If you already have hardwood DO NOT RIP IT OUT—even if it’s scratched or worn. Refinishing it is always a better investment than replacing it with something new.

And yes—you can put hardwood in the kitchen. Some people worry about water damage, but unless you’re constantly flooding your kitchen, it’s not an issue.

Now, if you live in a humid climate (hello, Florida 🌴), engineered hardwood is a smart alternative. It looks just like real wood, but it’s more durable and moisture-resistant. When my buyers replaced that awful tile, we chose wide-plank engineered hardwood—and let me tell you, it was worth it.

🔹 Looks high-end 🔹 Extremely durable 🔹 Holds value better than other options

And if you have pets? 🐶 Engineered hardwood is a lifesaver. It’s scratch-resistant and easier to maintain than traditional hardwood.

Want something more affordable that still adds value? Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is the way to go. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and much easier to install than hardwood. Plus, it looks like wood—so buyers won’t immediately write it off.

The Worst Flooring Choices for Resale

🚨 Some flooring choices don’t just fail to add value—they actively hurt your home’s resale potential.

❌ Carpet – Buyers don’t want someone else’s old carpet, even if it’s brand new ❌ Cheap laminate – Feels flimsy, noisy, and screams “builder-grade” ❌ Vinyl sheet flooring – Outdated, cheap-looking, and hard to repair

And the #1 flooring mistake that can destroy your home’s value?

👉 Covering up hardwood with vinyl plank. 👈

It happens way too often. Sellers think they’re “modernizing” their home, but in reality, they’re covering up one of their biggest selling points. Buyers would rather see scratched-up hardwood than brand-new vinyl covering the real deal.

Watch the Full Breakdown Above

Flooring matters more than people realize, and the wrong choice can cost you thousands. If you’re thinking about updating your floors or selling your home soon, don’t make these mistakes.