The kitchen is the heart of any home. And when it comes to resell, the buyers’ impressions of the kitchen can make your home standout from the pack. Tastes and trends change each year, but there are some good ideas that never go out of style. If you’re thinking of marketing your home in the near future, give serious consideration to how your kitchen shows, and think about some of these actions to improve the impression:
1) Add storage
First, if you’re considering selling, you should have already decluttered your house as much as possible. That means getting rid of almost every item that isn’t in daily use. Banish it all to the storage unit and the garage. But even though your kitchen is now the epitome of expansive simplicity, we’ve never heard a buyer complain about too much storage in the kitchen. Add an island, hanging pot racks, and consider some innovative storage solutions for the pantry.
2) Put some light on the situation
If you have an older kitchen, changes are you’re working under fluorescent tubes or pendant lighting. Consider getting rid of those dated pieces and bring in some high-lumen work light in the form of carefully placed recessed lighting. Not only can you save some money on your monthly lighting bill, but it will bring your kitchen into the 21st century.
3) Upgrade that kitchen faucet
There are now thousands of faucets to choose from when you’re considering a change-out. From rustic farmhouse models, to restuarant commercial, to modern touch-compatible space age fixtures. A new faucet will serve a focal point in your kitchen.
4) Refinish your counters
Older countertops can have scratches, dents and those unsightly burn marks. Replacing the entire countertop can be very expensive and it is hard to guess what style the next owner is going to value. Rather than spending that much money, think about a drop-in cutting board to replace worn areas. There are also epoxy-type produces that can be painted over your existing counters for a clean new finish.
5) Paint those cabs
Those yellowed oak cabinets might be in good condition, but the dated feel that they lend to your kitchen can give buyers a negative feeling about your whole house. Painted is in, so rather than replacing your cabinets, think about just adding a new layer of paint. You’l be surprised by how trendy your kitchen can look.
6) Add a backsplash
Want a project that might be a little easier for the beginner? Think about a new backsplash. One of the trends you’ll see in all new homes are counter-to-cabinet backsplashes made out of metal, stone, or tiles. Home improvement stores sell the tiles preset on rubber backing. Some adhesive, grout, and tiles, and you can add a modern touch to your kitchen that will catch everyone’s eye.
If you’re seriously considering home improvements as a strategy to sell your home for more money and in less time, be sure to contact us for a comprehensive report that will show you how much you can expect to gain from different categories of home improvement. It’s free, and one of the most important things to consider before you spend your hard earned money for little return.