The Kitchen: A Deal Breaker or Maker in a Home Sale

The kitchen is an integral part of any home. It is where we entertain, where we cook and prepare food, and where we eat. Most of the time, family, friends, or guests surround you in the kitchen. Since floor plans in many homes are very open in today's market, the kitchen can be viewed from various rooms, like a family room. Potential buyers often spend the most time in the kitchen when viewing a home. The reason for this is that it is a guarantee that the homeowner and any guests that they have visit will spend time in the kitchen every day.

 

At this point, if you are looking to sell your home, you may be asking yourself if your kitchen is in good enough shape and up-to-date enough to do so. Kitchen renovations can be overwhelming and can take a toll on a bank account. Although some buyers look to renovate, a kitchen is one of those rooms where the buyer will most likely look to see if they can use it the day they move in. What buyers look for in kitchens has a lot to do with the price range of your home.

 

If homes in your neighborhood are selling with clean, but by no means luxurious kitchens, then it is definitely not the time to install expensive countertops. One thing that can be done as a home seller is to browse the MLS and view photos of the kitchens of your competitors. Do homes in your area, and asking price range, have things such as wine coolers or trash compactors that your home lacks? If so, these are things to consider installing to compete with other homes for sale in your area.

 

If you live in a high-end neighborhood, you will need to think high-end. If your home is still sporting the white outdated oven, it may be time to upgrade. One look at a high-end home with outdated appliances can drive potential home buyers away at the thought of renovation and additional cost. If you, as the home seller, do not want to put in the time to renovate, it may mean that you will have to adjust your asking price accordingly.

 

Don't fret though. There are actions to take that won't break the bank. A kitchen is supposed to be inviting. Consider changing the paint to a warmer, neutral color. Be sure to remove clutter, but in an organized fashion. A relatively inexpensive upgrade are faucets. Another thing that can be done is cabinet repainting. When dealing with cabinets, also be sure to take note of the knobs. Freshly painted cabinets with new knobs can positively benefit the look of a kitchen. Something else to take note of is the lighting in your kitchen. You don't want to go for the interrogation room feel, but you will want your kitchen to be sufficiently lit. You can even go for the expensive look, at a fraction of the cost with countertop renovations such as faux granite. And if you are a do-it-yourself type of person, then the savings are monumental. Stores like Lowe's and Home Depot are essential for the handy DIY person.

 

The bottom line is that kitchens have an enormous impact on the sale of a home. Real estate agents really push the importance of the kitchen area. You want to make sure that your kitchen is up to date, and can compete with local area listings. As stated, viewing listings in your area and within your asking price range can give you a great idea as to where to begin. Viewing listings can also aid in showing you what's in style and what has to go.

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