If you are trying to sell your house,
having it "showing ready" is very important.
It is a fact that uncluttered, staged house sell for more money...
especially today when a large part of the housing inventory is distressed properties.
One of the most important rooms to spruce up when selling is your kitchen.
Buyers are afraid of updating a kitchen because, let's fact it, it can be expensive.
There are some low-cost upgrades you can make to wow buyers viewing your home
and increase your chances of selling your home for more money!
Here's our top suggestions:
1. Declutter - Taking everything off of the counter tops that is not necessary. You may think it is necessary to have the toaster oven, coffee maker, microwave, canisters, etc...all sitting on the counter...but a buyer will only see the clutter, not the amount of counter space you have. Start packing up some of those things to get a jump start for when your house does sell. And don't forget to clean off the top of the refrigerator and remove all the drawings and take-out menus from the front of the refrigerator.
2. Organize - Everything looks better when it is clean and organized. Open your cabinets and look at them like you are snooping in someone else's home. Would your first reaction be "How do they find anything"? Are things falling out? Cabinets and drawers that are organized give the impression that there is plenty of storage space. Messy, overstuffed cabinets and drawers make the buyer think there is not enough storage.
3. Clean - A little elbow grease goes a long way. Wipe the crumbs out of drawers...clean the windows, clean the oven, refrigerator and microwave...make sure the sink is free of dishes...wipe the now clutter-free counter tops...scrub the floors. Clean sells!
So far we haven't spent any money, just a little time. The next few suggestions can be done with a little money and savvy shopping.
4. Fresh paint - Check out the walls, cabinets & trim. Are they chipped, scratched or peeling? Paint is not expensive and can completely change the look of a room. Old cabinets can look new with a fresh coat of paint. Changing the color of the walls can update a room very quickly. Repainting dinged up trim can make the room look fresh.
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| Source: timmonsfamilylemonade.blogspot.com via Kaylinn on Pinterest |
5. Hardware - Check out your cabinet hardware. Changing it out for something updated can change the feel of the kitchen. Yes, hardware can be expensive, but if you shop around you can find low-cost options in fresh finishes to modernize your cabinets. Pay attention to the knobs, pulls and hinges to make sure they match. Metal paint can freshen old hinges for very little money.
6. Faucet - There are so many faucet options it can be overwhelming, but changing out the faucet and scrubbing the sink can be an impressive upgrade to potential buyers. If you are handy, you may even be able to install it yourself, saving even more money.
Sometimes there is just no way to get around the kitchen needing a little more help. Keep in mind, buyers are going to try to discount your price for whatever they feel needs to be done. If you know something will be a stumbling block for the buyer, why not take care of it in advance. A little money up front could bring more cash when your home sells.
7. Counter tops - If your counter tops are cracked or the finish peeling off, it is time for a change. There are some nice laminates for little money. Also check for stone and solid surface options - you may be able to find some deals if you don't have a lot of counter top area.
8. Backsplash - There are unlimited options to dress up your kitchen. Tile, metal or new plastic products that look like tin tiles can be purchased at great prices. Doing the work yourself make upgrading the backsplash much more affordable.
9. Flooring - The thought of replacing a floor in the midst of moving will sent a buyer jogging right out the door. If your kitchen floor is in bad shape, addressing it before selling will make your home more saleable. New linoleum and laminates have some great patterns to spruce up your kitchen.
Step into your kitchen and look at it like a buyer...
which of these options will help your kitchen show better
and help you get more money from the sale of your home?
Isn't that the goal?
For more information on how to get your home sold for top dollar faster,
call Fontaine Family - The Real Estate Leader at (207)784-3800 or e-mail us...
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