Hardwood floors were standard equiptment when most of Central Mount Prospect's homes were built (1930-1960). Most new home builders offer hardwood floors in certain areas as an option—an expensive option. To install hardwood floors on both levels of a new home today would cost in the area of $15,000.

Although living on hardwood floors doesn't appeal to everyone, selling a home with its sparkling (or not so sparkling) oak floors showing, is an advantage you should seriously consider. Not only do they make a room appear larger with their gymnasium-like resonance as you walk through them, they also quietly speak volumes about the quality-construction that is seldom matched in today's similar-priced new construction.

If you are considering a move, consider removing older carpeting and exposing the hidden asset beneath them. Many homeowners ask us if they should replace carpeting before they sell. We often recommend that they resist their urge, and sell with their floors bare. If you replace carpeting with a color that doesn't suit the buyer's taste, or if they prefer exposed floors, you might as well have thrown that money out the window. Similar to a "walk to train" location, everyone knows that hardwood floors are a good thing. Don't give away one of your homes shining assets.