It might be a seller’s market. However, this should not stop you from preparing your house before you list it. Kitchens sell a home. It’s a fact. But what you may not know is how to build a space that seals the deal.
If you stage the space correctly and update finishes in your kitchen, your home will not sit on the market for too long. The good news is that there are many ways you can do to prepare or fix your kitchen for resale.
Here’s what you need to do to prep your kitchen for resale. Read on!
What Homebuyers Want in a Kitchen
Once you decide to sell your house, one of the first steps to selling a house is to examine the entire property through a brand-new lens. You start considering what a prospective homebuyer would think about your house.
Most likely, there are certain items and areas you know that require complete replacement or some attention before you put your home on the market. However, it is not always simple to discern what’s appealing and not appealing for a prospective homebuyer.
And the room that’s likely to impact homebuyer’s decision no matter what your house looks like is the kitchen. Keep in mind that it is the hub or heart of the home.
According to an analysis by Zillow, an online real estate company, many kitchen design features are influencing homebuyers to act quickly and spend more. The analysis found that homes with professional-grade appliances and steam ovens increase the chance of selling by 34%.
But in spite of the apparent price increase for these features, they are some of the slowest to sell as well. They stay for at least 22 days on the market on average. Although a modern, advanced kitchen might attract several homebuyers, those buyers who want it more are more than willing to spend more for the kitchen space.
On the other hand, millennials are looking for better luxuries and amenities. They are looking for wine cellars, pizza ovens, and free-standing bathtubs. These trendy design features could undoubtedly help you sell your house more quickly.
Ultimately, when selling your home, it is critical to know what the most current trends are in kitchen design and remodeling. But above all, you need to design a home equipped with features you love that makes you happy every day, knowing that future homebuyers might want to use it to make their own dream home.
Should You Replace Your Cabinets?
Putting your house on the market can be laborious, with a lot of things to consider. Several home improvement projects can raise both the value of your home and its chances of selling quickly.
One of the areas you must prioritize is the kitchen. It is one of the most vital areas in the house, and a lot of buyers want to see it first when checking around your home. Potential buyers will be looking at the quality of your cabinets and countertops, appliances, and it’s layout.
When it comes to your cabinets, the main question you should ask yourself is if it needs remodeling or replacing. If, for example, your kitchen has not been made more modern since 1980, then you perhaps know that it is going to be a real issue when you decide to sell your house.
. Should you replace your cabinets? Should you renovate them? Well, if your kitchen is dated, then you might need to renovate it.
What we mean by renovation is repairing or restoring instead of replacing. When you renovate, you can opt to repaint your cabinets, replace broken handles, knobs, and other parts. The advantage of renovation is that it’s more affordable than a full remodel.
On the other hand, remodeling your kitchen means replacing the whole cabinets with new ones. Thus, you’d be paying for a completely brand-new set of cabinets. You can opt to install usa made cabinets or Chinese cabinets.
Before you decide to repair or replace your cabinets, talk to a local realtor for guidance. Your kitchen space might not be as unpleasant as you think.
Hardwood Flooring
If replacing your kitchen flooring is required, then think about the hardwood. Keep in mind that it is king regarding the resale value. Homebuyers typically look at the floors when they are touring houses, so it’s good to know what types of flooring homebuyers prefer, and hardwood will undoubtedly boost the value of our kitchen.
But it does not mean or entail that you have to install hardwood for your property to sell. High-quality hardwood can be costly. Normally, it runs about 4 dollars per square foot. Alternatively, you can go for more affordable flooring that has the hardwood look.
Take porcelain tile and vinyl, for example, which carries lower price tags. If you opt for vinyl, installing it is DIY-friendly, keeping your ROI (return on investment) high.
Go for Solid Surface or Granite
Okay, here’s the thing. Homebuyers expect a reliable, durable surface worktop such as granite. Take note that it is already considered as a standard finish like stainless steel. So, if your kitchen countertops are dated, then now is the best time to upgrade.
There are a lot of options that you can choose for countertops. The popular choices are quartz and granite. Quartz countertops or worktops are a trendy commodity nowadays and will undoubtedly help sell your home.
In fact, some might even argue that it’s the new level of quality rather than granite. How much will it cost? Usually, quartz runs between 65 to 85 dollars per square foot installed. Although this could be expensive, it is a relatively small price to expend for a sold home.
How to Choose the Best Countertop Material…The Las Vegas Luxury Home Pro
Update the Lighting
When it comes to creating an inviting and open space that homebuyers will surely love, lighting is a crucial feature. With that said, change any broken or dim bulbs for new ones. If you have lamps or pendant lights, ensure that they are still stylish.
If not, consider investing in modern fixtures that’ll be more appealing in the housing market today. Another quick fix you can do to enhance the lighting in your kitchen space is to add under cabinet lighting. It is relatively affordable and will brighten up your kitchen.
Replace Your Dated Backsplash
If you have not taken a closer look at your backsplash in years, then chances are it is very dated. A creative blend of tile and glass or a flashy glass mosaic can leave a positive impression on potential buyers.
Opt for high-quality stone such as travertine and marble. If you want a virtually free of stain walls, then opt for metal, glass, or porcelain tile. These materials will keep stains away.
Also, aside from the beauty, a backsplash also makes it easier to clean your kitchen. All you need to do is to wipe it down with a sponge or a damp cloth, and the work is done.
Paint the Walls
When preparing to list your home, one of the first expenses you will be making is a new paint job, and for a good reason. Your kitchen walls must look presentable and pleasing. So, fix the areas that need patching up or choose a completely new color.
When choosing a new color, opt for a lighter one as it will make your kitchen feel as expansive and open. Grays are perfectly acceptable, but tans, beiges, creams, and off-whites have wide appeal too. Select a softer tone to balance out dark furniture and cabinetry.
Takeaway
You can improve or upgrade every feature or decor in your house, yet it will not mean a single thing if prospective homebuyers cannot see the space as their own. As such, it is essential to keep your kitchen space as clean and tidy as possible while you are showing it.
Clear out your counters and remove all the things or items that you no longer use. Also, don’t forget to clean out and arrange your cupboards and pantry as homebuyers will most likely take a look at them. Clean the spaces you have not touched or seen in years.
Moreover, decor, chairs, and tables must feel open and natural, not closed and cramped. Talk with an interior designer or realtor if you need assistance improving the flow of your kitchen space.
Additionally, we recommend you use fresh flowers and fruits as decorations because they are affordable props that bring more color to your kitchen. Moreover, they make it feel lived in and breathe life into the kitchen space.
Keep in mind that a major kitchen renovation project can be very expensive, the money you most likely won’t entirely recover when you sell. So, rather than going for a full remodel, think of what small updates you can make to improve the look of your kitchen and will help you sell your house faster.