Take a good hard look at the carpeting, if it needs more than professional cleaning, it is best just to replace it. It does not have to be replaced with the highest quality carpet. If you put a thick pad underneath lower-grade carpet, buyers will be much more impressed than if the currently installed high-grade carpet is dingy, old or stained. Buyers prefer to have carpet replaced prior to moving in rather than being awarded a carpet allowance.
Do not place carpet over carpet, especially near a window where there will likely be evidence of weather damage. Also, don't hide carpet with area rugs on top. This may lead buyers to conclude there is something wrong with the carpet. If the carpet must be replaced, the best color to choose is "Realtor beige." This is the color that most model homes have. Buyers have many options to choose from, so it is important to offer them a neutral palette to begin with.
In some cases carpet can be professionally cleaned to look like new. If, however, you are a pet owner make sure that there are no lingering pet stains or odors. If there are, it is best to simply "bite the bullet" and replace the carpet. Remember, there may also be allergens in the carpet which you may not notice but buyers may be very sensitive to.
Buyers love wood floors, if they are in good condition. If the floors need refinishing, have it done prior to selling because buyers will not want to do it themselves. A buyer will think of refinishing the floors as an enormous, costly project. For you, the seller, the cost of refinishing the floors might very well translate into thousands of dollars, but it could make the difference between making a sale or not. If there are damaged areas, do not try to cover them up with a rug. Have them repaired. It might be that only one part of the flooring is damaged, and could prove difficult to find a good match to replace it. Since it breaks up the continuity of the house if the flooring is inconsistent, get some good estimates and have it refinished the right way. It is worth the investment of time and money to keep consistency throughout the house, because uniform wood floors in good condition are a major selling point for a house.
Tile floors should be clean and free of grout. If there are any cracks in the tile, replace those tiles. Tile is more attractive to buyers than vinyl, so replace vinyl flooring and laminate with ceramic tile, if you can afford to do it. Regardless, the floors should shine whether they are tile or vinyl.
If you choose to go with laminate, some people like Pergo. However, don't install it if other homes in your area and price range don't have it. You should consider it if they do. Remember, the flooring should be consistent throughout the house.