I would say, generally yes.  If they are solid, they can be refinished just as walls can be repainted.  (Usually, it is more beneficial financially for the seller to do this before putting their house on the market, but many don't want the inconvenience.

Now, here's the big exception...if they are engineered hardwood and badly scratched, it's very possible that they can't be sanded and refinished, and they need to be replaced.  I've seen some buyers get stuck w/ this.   (If they are floated, the can NOT be refinished even if wear layer is thick enough...they move during the sanding process...and this is something that many stores (and manufacturers) don't bother to tell the homeowner.)

The thing, though, is that most buyers and agents don't realize this until it's too late. An inspector can help point this out.  and, sometimes an agent will involve someone like me before an offer is made to see what can be done w/ the floors.

The safest answer would be that the floors are scratched and or scuffed. As a director of risk management told me once the only cosmetic cracks are the ones you see in a mirror. LOL. Unless you are an experienced flooring contractor I would simply say that they are scratched or scuffed. If a potential buyer or the seller inquires as to what your opinion might be I would always recommend that they seek the services of a licensed contractor to assist them in evaluating the wood floors. That will keep you and your broker out of trouble

Probably, you dont need an inspection to notice scuffs on the floor.

No idea.

I do not think so.

I think yes, cosmetic.

It is.

They are considered costmetic in my market, just as old carpet would be.

I would say yes. Unless some of the scrapes were so deep that you would catch a heal or trip. If that was the case then it would be a safety hazard.

No, I wouldn't think so.  It is much saltier than a couple gallons of paint, however, I have neveer had a buyer ask for them to be resanded and stained.

Yes, hopefully the are actual hardwook floors that can be sanded and refinished to be as good as new. If a client of mine wants to list a house with this type of flooring, I would highly recommend that they hire a professional to refinish them prior to putting it on the market.

An item that might only cost $3,000 for a seller to remedy will quickly turn into a $10,000 price reduction for a potential buyer...

I would beieve it would be cosmetic, depending onthe damage and how the buyer feels about it.   I f really bad when I list it, I would be suggesting a repair of the floor.

It sounds to me as if most of the agents think this is merely cosmetic and not an issue unless they are gouged, Michael.

Yes, it's sad...many don't realize this. The ironic thing is that it's more expensive to replace vs. if there had been carpet there and they are adding for the first time.