"Will a New Kitchen Add Value to My Property?"
Kitchens Can Sell a House
It's a tool used by house flippers all across the nation. Real estate agents push its importance. What is this not-so-well-kept secret of real estate? A kitchen can sell a house.
A kitchen is the heart of a home. The old saying that the "stomach is the way to the heart" carries a lot of truth. Kitchens are where we spend much of our time and most of that is with our families. It's the room where we nourish our bodies and our spirits.
Kitchens are integral to entertaining and in today's open floor plans, they're a focal piece of many family rooms. It's because of this that kitchens play such an important role in the buying and selling process.
This single room is the showpiece of the house. You'll see it every day and your guests will see it during most visits. This means buyers want homes with up-to-date kitchens.
It's not just a new layer of paint. Renovations consist of flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops and appliances. Buyers want a home with an up-to-date kitchen but often times aren't willing to tackle the renovation process themselves.
Most buyers want a kitchen that is ready to use the day they move in.
What do buyers look for in up-to-date kitchens? A lot of this depends on what price range your home is in.
Scope out homes in your price-range. Use open houses in your area or MLS listings to find out what your competitions' kitchens look like.
Do area homes have new solid wood cabinets and granite counters in today's designer colors? You'll may want to consider making the same move. Do they include new stainless steel appliances? If you are you in a higher-end neighborhood, think high-end.
Your older home may have a highly functional kitchen, but a buyer will take one look at your formica counters and white appliances and become lost in the stress of how much money and time it would take to remodel. You may want to put in the upgrades instead of making concessions in the price.
The bottom line is a kitchen can sell a home. Do a little research and find out what your kitchen needs to make it competitive with area listings.
