We've replaced many appliances, among other things, in the 3 years we've been here: fridge, washer/dryer /furnace. New d/w (didn't have one) new a/c (ditto). All the appliances worked when we moved in but they were old, outdated and inefficient. Whatever market climate we wind up selling in, I can imagine that it will be good we've replaced them now so we can enjoy them and not have to worry about it when we sell. Because most people don't want to deal with that stuff upon buying a home.

I can't fault a seller for wear and weak maintenance so long as it isn't hidden (or worse) and the price reflects it.

For a seller to judge whether your buyer would prefer to have a reduced price and the freedom to make their own choice (my preference) OR... if you can make the correct judgment of what this mythical and unknown buyer will prefer to have installed and of course to pay for as well (iow don't buy a Viking stove or green shag carpet and then expect me to pay for it). It's a Hobson's choice for the seller.. just don't whine that the carpet is ugly or the trees need trimming.

There are lots of tables out there on the costs to replace (and maintain) appliances and most everything else in a home. Think like an insurance adjuster for just how much that stove or carpet or roof job is really worth.

Looking forward: $931/15 means Jaime will need to start tucking away $62 a year so she has the $931 in 15 years when she need to do this again... better make it $75 or $80. ;)

Lesley and MrRational, you're pointing out the competing theories that sellers must ponder: Replace so the buyer doesn't have to do it, or don't replace (and price accordingly) so the buyer can pick the stuff he or she wants. Tough one!

I hear from many agents that buyers want a home that doesn't need new carpet, new coats of paint, etc. On the other hand, my grandmother replaced her carpet right before selling her house (pre-bubble) and the buyer immediately tore it out to put in a different color.

Good for the carpet company, at least.

In the 4 years that I've been in my current house, I've had to replace the dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator. I'm eventually going to have to replace the stove when I redo my kitchen since it doesn't do the best job baking. In each case, the appliances were on their last legs and were needed items so I replaced them with quality replacements since I intended to use them for many years to come. I also have a washing machine from the '70s or earlier that works like a charm. I'm not planning on replacing it until I need to since I have plenty of other things that need to be replaced, upgraded, etc.

This reminds me of a story about a lady who asked for a perfectly ripe pear on her death bed. As it turned out, she never had a good ripe pear because she always ate the pears that were starting to spoil first. Then by the time she was done with them, the good pears also started to go bad, and so on. Sad...

Appliances in the homes for sale are one of my pet peeves. I remember an open house when an agent proudly noted that "appliances convey" when the appliances were probably older than me (maybe they would qualify as antiques?). :) Another thing I just absolutely hate is when the owners CLEARLY buy the cheapest new appliances they could find and expect some return on "investment". Personally, I would much prefer a seller to add an allowance for the new appliances, even a small one. Coming from a long time living in apartments I would really love to have a new, energy-efficient fridge I picked up myself, not some noisy GE monster.

Sort of related to your post, but people are using the internet to help repair appliances themselves in order to save money. It's easy to buy appliance parts online and there are many sources for free appliance repair help.

Just another way to help save some money.

However, I agree with your decision on buying a new washer and dryer. 17 years is a looong time for such appliances to last. Plus with additional energy-efficiency rebates many utility companies are offering, it's a good time to buy.

Did you check with your local municipality and or utility company to see if you qualify for any rebates? Many utility companies are offering such rebates (or bill credits) if you buy qualifying energy efficient appliances. Might be a good way to save even more money.

Also, many towns and cities offer FREE disposal of your old appliances. Some even pay you.

That's a good point about utility rebates, Jennifer, and darn it -- I didn't have time to check. When you've got a baby in the house, you need a working dryer and you need it NOW.

But I hated having to make a decision after just an hour or two of research. Went against all my better inclinations.

I suppose that's one argument for replacing appliances before they die of old age.

I totally understand if a future buyer doesn't want or like the appliances we chose. I agree with Jelena- we didn't want the old crap here either but we didn't negotiate for that. I think buyers have more strength in negotiating these days.
My main point was that we had to replace them so we may as well enjoy them. I don't really look at my home through the eyes of some mythical buyer. i live here and want to enjoy my home. That being said, I'm not sure it's wise for sellers to buy high end appliances right before they sell or cheapo ones either.

Not to jinx you or anyone else, but did you hear about Sears' protection program? It seems like a pretty awesome peace-of-mind deal ...

From the website:
Use your Sears card to buy major home appliance purchases totaling over $399 and you are automatically protected. Your entire purchase is protected, including any service agreements, installation and delivery charges at no cost to you! Simply make a qualifying purchase with your Sears card and if you lose your full-time job after 60 days and up to one year from date of purchase, one twelfth of your entire purchase price will be credited to your account each month until you are back at work or your appliance is paid off.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_Appliance+Buyer+Protection?adCell=W2

And, no, I don't work for Sears :)

Hi, Cynthia -- thanks for sharing that. I don't have any store charge cards and don't intend to get any, but I can see that deal being useful for someone who already has a Sears card.

Being the owner of several cats I know what you are going through with your cats and your carpet. Our first two cats know how to use the cardboard scratcher, but the other two enjoy using the carpet as their nail scratchers.

My feeling on the carpet is, if you are trying to sell and the carpet is in bad shape when you have a showing people are going to wonder how the rest of the house has been maintained even if you provide a carpet allowance. When we were looking for a townhouse in 2007 we had a few to choose from, and we walked into one that was last used by a bunch of college kid renters, and we pretty much walked out after seeing holes (literally like 2 inch holes) in the carpet. They were offering a carpet allowance, but to me it didn't matter. That shows they didn't take care of the house, so who knows what else we'd find when we moved in.

I am not saying that is the case for everyone, but my thought is you should either have it replaced before putting it for sale, or if it is still in decent shape, and just needs a cleaning, have it professionally steam cleaned.

My bigger worry when I sell is that people are going to be scared about the house if they know that cats lived there...some might not even come and look if they hear that.

I am pretty much content with my ugly old appliances, window AC units, squeaky steps, etc. In my case, everything depends on whether my next move is to sell my place or to rent it out.