One of the hardest conversations I have with clients, and potential clients, is that they need to remove the 
wallpaper prior to listing their homes (and yes, borders count). I know that your wallpaper is lovely and I can tell that is designer quality, but the number one complaint I get from buyers is that they don't want to deal with wallpaper removal!
Sellers don't want to remove it because
- They paid to install it
- Removal can be time consuming and/or costly
- Walls often need to be repaired
- After the paper comes down, the walls need to be painted
Buyers want it removed because:
- They did not choose it
- Removal can be time consuming and/or costly
- Walls often need to be repaired
- After the paper comes down, the walls need to be painted
As you can see, most of the same reasons that you have for not wanting to deal with it are the reasons that often make it a show-stopper for buyers.
On occasion, clients will leave up a neutral (ie. it looks like a painted wall) wallpaper and that is usually okay, but anything with any sort of design should be removed--even subtle designs can be a problem for some buyers.
Often removing the wallpaper provides an opportunity to paint the walls a warm and inviting color--which ends ups making the home more appealing in the long run.
If you want to sell your home for top-dollar (and who doesn't?) approach this like you would any other long term project: plan it out, do the foundation work, and finalize the details. If you approach it this way, removing the wallpaper is just one task on the way to selling your home for as much as the market will bear.
For more advice on removing wall paper go to:
Wallpaper Removal Techniques
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Wall Paper is one of those funny things that both buyers and sellers get wrapped around the axle about. Your post is right on point
You raise excellent points I once bought an older family home and decided to remove the wallpaper myself with a rental steamer. I got the paper off alright but I then had a number of problems because the old plaster crumbled and then I had to repair them before I could even paint the bare walls. A real mess and costly. Charlie Gantz, Greenwood, IN; J.D., M.B.A.; Owner/Principal Broker, Atlas Commercial Real Estate, LLC
I think that psychologically, the idea that you don't know what is behind the walls can play in to it, too! Thanks for raising that point, Charles.
Charlie, Thanks for reading and commenting on my post!
First, a plug for a great stager, Craig Schiller of RealEstaging in Park Forest IL. Last year Craig and I were on a staging consultation for a new listing. It was a relo seller so no previous relationship. Standing in the kitchen, Craig pointed at the wallpaper and said "that has to go". Mrs Seller said "that's a lot of work". Craig said "Exactly, that's what a buyer will think when they see it" Mrs. Seller said "what's wrong with it, I like it and have for 13 years". Craig "exactly, 13 years, but would you pick it now?" The mood suddenly went from joking and fun to very, very cool. "Well yes I would pick it now", she said. I was shrinking into the corner, thinking of the call from our relo department and I'd have to explain how I got fired on the staging appointment, truly a first in our company's 155 year history. Later I called Craig "What do I say about the wallpaper?". He said "Listen, it's a tough market and that wallpaper was dated 23 years ago. Either write up my advice, being nice of course, or don't hire me for my opinion". I included "remove all wallpaper" in the report, gritted my teeth, and sent the email. Guess what, Mrs. and Mr. Seller got that wallpaper down and painted the kitchen a nice neutral color that Craig picked out. House sold in 4 weeks. Yah Craig!
Leslie, that is a great story! Thanks for sharing it.
I purchased my first house, full of wallpaper....it took me YEARS to get rid of it....Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Clean and fresh paint...that is what you need. Great Post!
Wallpaper....almost always a tough conversation with the seller! BUT always a necessary one for all the reasons that Holly points out!! No one wants to remove it...and it may be the reason on one wants to make an offer. I almost always recommend removing it. Here's a prime example:
Before...blue textured wallpaper in the Dining Room
AFTER...wallpaper removed and walls painted
same color as Living Room.
BIG difference....same furniture! Added an area rug and removed the dated valance.
On one of my listings I suggested to the sellers to remove the wall paper in the kitchen and paint a neutral color..they agreed and...what a difference it made.
I always tell sellers not to take it the wrong way, but, "Everyone hates your wallpaper"!
While it might be tasteful, and in some cases might actually be very nice, buyers didn't choose it, often they don't want it, and removing it and repainting the room with a neutral color will bring much better results in the long run.
Holly, this is a great post. I have it bookmarked.
Here is my most recent example of wallpaper that had to go. This is bedroom in 1 bedroom condo. Every room had wallpaper in it - dated & worn. The condo sat on the market for over 6 months with no interest.
Within days of the Open House, there was an offer!
Yes most wallpaper is dated and has to go, but I do like the post you have written and will bookmark, thanks for sharing