Does Wallpaper Make Your House Harder to Sell?

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Does Wallpaper Make Your House Harder to Sell?

Wallpaper adds flair and personality to a space, but it can also be a sore spot when it comes to real estate. The maximalist design feature is often a very personal choice. Not everyone loves giant florals or wants a vivid purple and green pattern enveloping their living room—and even more muted choices, like a solid-color grass cloth, are harder to change than a coat of pain. Which is why, when appealing to the masses, real estate brokers have traditionally advised clients to paint their homes in safe neutral tones before listing.

But is the conventional wisdom outdated? Wallpaper has exploded in popularity in recent years and there are now even excellent peel-and-stick options that make installing and swapping out wall coverings far easier than the more permanent varieties. But what happens when you have traditional—and perhaps outdated—wallpaper covering your walls and you’re ready to sell? Does finding a buyer require stripping the walls first, which can cost thousands of dollars? We turned to the experts to find out if hanging wallpaper will affect your bottom line in the long run.

It Depends on the Design

Wallpaper isn’t necessarily a deal breaker for potential buyers, says Corcoran broker Tita Omeze. A home with stylish wallpaper can even sway potential buyers and open their eyes to design possibilities. “Wallpaper done in the last 15 years usually looks very chic,” she says. Omeze, who has an interior design background, has even found that cool mid-century modern wallpaper from the 50s and 60s is often a bonus. The New York City-based broker recently layered art over vintage wallpaper for an eclectic look in a West Village listing she sold. “People were like, ‘Oh my God, it’s so groovy,’” she says. “They’re still going to remove it, but they get the look.”

a bedroom with bright wallpaper

KEVIN J. MIYAZAKI

It’s the older, dowdy wallpapers that are the problem, says Oregon-based realtor Drew Coleman, founder of Opt Real Estate. “It’s the 1980s wallpaper, which has that floral, overly ornate design that was fastened on with extra thick paste,” he says. “You look at it and just realize you’ve got a huge task in attempting to remove it.”

What Condition Is It In?

Wallpaper that’s very faded or where the seams are peeling is a red flag, says Omeze. “To potential buyers, it looks like the house hasn’t been taken care of.” In instances like these, Omeze advises sellers to bring in an expert to remove the wallpaper and repaint the walls. “Even if places need to be renovated, you still want it to look like it’s been taken care of,” she says.

When it comes to attracting the biggest pool of potential buyers, “we remind clients that wallpaper can be divisive and you want some more of a neutral palette typically to sell a home,” says Coleman. “Neutrality is the key. So in order to help buyers envision their style in the space, we often suggest removal and using paint in neutral tones.”

Consider Who Installed It

For your favorite Instgram DIYer, hanging wallpapering is no big thing. But if you’re considering wallpaper for your own home, know your skill level and limitations. “The key to wallpaper is it needs to be expertly applied,” says Coleman. “If you don’t know how and don’t have a designer who’s helping you, you’re probably going to screw it up.” Bubbles, tears, and misaligned patterns can all leave a bad impressions on potential buyers.

Wallpaper Is Not the Same in Every Room

Coleman says while it’s generally harder to sell a home with wallpaper, strategic placement makes a difference. “Using wallpaper is a little like adding spice to a dish,” he says. “If you don’t know how to use it, you can easily ruin the whole recipe. But a little bit can elevate a space and really make it pop.” He suggests incorporating wallpaper into smaller or less high traffic areas like powder rooms, foyers, and on accent walls. “These are areas where wallpaper can help differentiate the home, without dominating the entire space.”

Embrace What You Love

If florals, stripes, and chintz make your heart sing, go for it, says Omeze. It’s your home after all, and it should bring you joy. But keep in mind that wallpaper is a big commitment. “You really need to know your taste and style,” says the expert. If you suspect you might get sick of it after a few years, then reconsider.

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