I listed a home three months ago in a price range that takes longer than that to sell anyway. Attempted to remove as many objections as possible, and overall it is a lovely semi-custom executive with beautiful features.
The carpet is a chic shag, which doesn't stand out as being a possible objection. But at a broker preview, an agent warned me that buyers either love this or HATE it.

I haven't had an overwhelming "I hate the carpet" response, but in those from whom I could coax opinions... THEY HATE THE CARPET. They also hate a tasteful media cabinet that is built in, in the family room.

Vacant house, sellers have moved on. I have shared with them before that there have been some objections to the carpet and the media center. After today's open house, I am SURE these are major objections.

THE BUYERS HATE THE CARPET AND THE BUILT-IN! I'd like to poll my fellow agents (here) on what you have told sellers in situations like this. Also, obviously a buyer credit for flooring is an option, but in today's market you have to have a house READY with NO objections.
--A

You have to draw attention away from the carpet by telling them that IT'S ONLY CARPET!! That can be changed in no time at all, make sure they know it's not a big deal.

With the built-in, that's a different story. Can it be covered? How much work to take out? etc..

With the built-in, no it can't be covered, it's wasting space, and there is no carpet under it. (Ack)
--A

:::BUMP:::

All opinions, please... How do you tell a seller their lovely carpet has got to go in order to sell the house? They would only need to spend $7800 to get beautiful carpet, but the standard carpet allowance I've seen in the rare comp sales that had carpet allowances in the last coupel of years has been $10,000. Seller has the money... But do I try to get him to spend it in this way?
--A

If they can't see past the carpet without an allowance, they won't see past it with an allowance. If you want it to sell as quickly as possible it needs to WOW the buyers when they walk in the door- and allowances don't WOW anybody.

I totally agree with that. I tell all of my sellers the same thing. I would prefer not to give an allowance, because A-buyers expect a higher allowance than what it will actually cost, and B-buyers are knocking down the value of your home as they walk through and see things that need to change.
Spend $300 to paint the children's murals in the bedrooms back to a neutral color, or lose $5,000 from your list price because the buyers are turned off by the additional creativity.
--A