Choosing the Best Flooring for Your Home Sale – Tips from a Top San Francisco Real Estate Agent

by Clay Gjevre

The Best Flooring Choices to Boost Your San Francisco Home’s Value

When preparing to sell your home in San Francisco, every detail matters—including your flooring. Whether you’re upgrading before listing or just curious how your floors impact resale value, choosing the right materials can mean the difference between a quick sale at top dollar and sitting on the market for months.

As a top San Francisco real estate agent, I’ve seen firsthand how flooring choices influence buyer interest. In some neighborhoods, hardwood is practically expected, while in other cases, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or engineered hardwood can be smart, cost-effective choices.

Let’s break down the best flooring options for home resale, which materials offer the highest return on investment (ROI), and what to avoid before putting your home on the market.

1. Why Flooring Matters in Home Sales

Buyers notice flooring immediately. It affects the home’s perceived value, overall style, and even how spacious the rooms feel. The wrong flooring—or outdated, damaged floors—can be a dealbreaker.

🏡 Buyers want move-in-ready homes. Old carpet, scratched hardwood, or dated tile can make a home feel like a renovation project rather than a dream home. 💰 New floors increase home value. In many cases, installing modern, neutral-tone flooring can raise your home’s sale price by thousands of dollars. 📸 Better listing photos = More buyer interest. Updated floors make homes more photogenic, helping attract more views and offers online.

2. The Best Flooring Options for Home Resale

When choosing flooring with resale in mind, consider durability, aesthetics, and what buyers in your area prefer. Here’s a breakdown of the top choices:

Hardwood Flooring: The Gold Standard for Resale Value

🌟 Best for: High-end homes, buyers looking for timeless appeal, increasing home value

Solid hardwood is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It’s classic, durable, and highly desirable among buyers. In San Francisco’s upscale neighborhoods, many buyers expect real hardwood floors—so if you already have them, refinishing can be a great alternative to replacing them.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Highest resale value—buyers love real wood

✅ Can be refinished multiple times for a fresh look

✅ Works in most rooms except high-moisture areas

❌ Cons:

🚫 Higher cost than other flooring options

🚫 Prone to scratching and water damage if not maintained

🚫 Not ideal for bathrooms or laundry rooms

💡 Best Hardwood Choices for Resale:

Light to medium oak tones (modern & timeless)
Wider, longer planks for a high-end look
Avoid trendy colors like gray or overly dark stains, which can go out of style quickly

Engineered Hardwood: A Durable Alternative

🌟 Best for: Luxury appeal with better moisture resistance

If you want the look of real wood but with better stability, engineered hardwood is a great choice. It has a layer of real wood on top but a reinforced core, making it less prone to warping—especially important in San Francisco’s foggy climate.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Real wood appearance with improved durability

✅ More moisture-resistant than solid hardwood

✅ Often comes in wider plank options, adding luxury appeal

❌ Cons:

🚫 More expensive than laminate or LVP

🚫 Can only be refinished once or twice, depending on wear layer

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Stylish & Waterproof

🌟 Best for: Modern homes, rentals, high-traffic areas, and budget-conscious sellers

LVP has skyrocketed in popularity for good reason—it mimics wood, is waterproof, and is significantly more affordable than hardwood. If you're selling a family-friendly home or rental property, buyers will love LVP’s low maintenance and durability.

✔️ Pros:

✅ Waterproof (perfect for kitchens, basements, and bathrooms)

✅ Looks like wood but costs much less

✅ Scratch-resistant and great for homes with pets

❌ Cons:

🚫 Not real wood, so luxury buyers may prefer hardwood

🚫 Can feel less warm and authentic underfoot compared to wood

🚫 Cheaper brands can look artificial—stick to high-quality options

💡 Best LVP Choices for Resale:

Wood-look styles in light oak or natural tones
Wide planks for a high-end appearance
Avoid overly gray or super dark options, as trends shift

Laminate Flooring: A Budget-Friendly Option

🌟 Best for: Cost-conscious sellers, rentals, and low-maintenance upgrades

Laminate is an affordable alternative that looks like wood but is made from high-density fiberboard with a printed image on top. It's a decent option for selling, but not ideal in high-end markets like San Francisco’s luxury home sector.

✔️ Pros:

✅ More budget-friendly than hardwood and LVP

✅ Scratch-resistant, great for homes with pets

✅ Easy to install (floating floor)

❌ Cons:

🚫 Not waterproof—beware of moisture damage

🚫 Less desirable in high-end homes

🚫 Typically doesn’t add as much resale value as hardwood or LVP

3. Flooring Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

🚫 Going Too Cheap – If you’re selling a multimillion-dollar home, installing low-end laminate can be a turnoff. Buyers expect quality.

🚫 Ignoring the Market – In some San Francisco neighborhoods, hardwood is a must. In others, LVP or engineered hardwood will do just fine. Know your audience!

🚫 Choosing the Wrong Colors – Avoid overly trendy colors like gray flooring or super dark wood, which can turn off some buyers. Stick to light, natural tones that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

🚫 Mixing Too Many Flooring Types – If you have three or four different flooring styles in one home, it can look disjointed. Stick with one consistent look for the best buyer appeal.

4. Selling in San Francisco? Get Expert Advice

If you’re thinking about selling your San Francisco home, upgrading your flooring could be one of the best investments to maximize your sale price. Whether you’re considering refinishing existing hardwood, upgrading to LVP, or need advice on what works best in your neighborhood, I can help!