As the saying goes, kitchens sell houses, often sealing or breaking the deal depending on how it is presented. But not to worry, kitchen updates do not have to cost an arm and a leg as many sellers assume. Read below for some of the smartest updates you can make for little to no money at all.
1. Stain or Paint Dated Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them
Before you make the costly investment in new cabinetry, try a fresh coat of stain or paint for a like-new look for about $25. Glossy white or black are popular choices for paint, and either cherry or walnut are popular shades of stain. De-clutter and clean out the inside of each cabinet, lay down fresh liners and watch as buyers grow to appreciate your once-dated cabinetry. Finish the look by swapping your hardware for an updated new look in a bronze or brushed nickel finish.
2. Paint the Walls
The color on the walls of your kitchen makes a huge difference in how this important space shows. Green and yellow are great choices for kitchens because they’re appetizing colors, and tan also works well for neutrality and warmth. Just be sure to pick earth-tone varieties like sage green rather than doublemint green, or buttery yellow rather than highlighter yellow! If in doubt, go with the safer option. For a fail-proof way to choose colors for resale try a professionally recommended palette of colors like “Colors That Sell” (PaintColorsThatSell.com) or hire a Home Stager for a color consultation.
3. Lighting is Key
The lighting in the kitchen plays a big role in distinguishing the overall feel of the kitchen. If you have a fluorescent light, updating to a chandelier or semi-flush mount fixture is an absolute must. Still have the builder-grade brass fixture hanging over the breakfast nook? Spend the $150 at Lowes or Home Depot to swap it out for a classy new look in brushed nickel or bronze for a complete transformation of your eat-in kitchen that buyers will love.
4. Invest in New Appliances
Studies show that it does pay to update those old kitchen appliances. If your dated oven and dishwasher are taking center stage, it will behoove you greatly to swap them out for an updated version. If you can’t afford the stainless variety, go with black instead.
5. Keep the Countertops Generally Clear
Store away your extra accessories and appliances before each showing including can openers, coffee makers and dish soaps. Neat, unfussy countertops lend to a clutter-free feeling of spaciousness that will give the illusion of a cleaner, larger kitchen.
6. Cluster Accessories
Rather than spreading the remaining upscale accessories across the counters, group them together in clusters so the eye can bounce from group to group, appreciating the assets of the kitchen along the way.
7. Keep it Sparkling
Having a perfectly clean kitchen is arguably the most important part of selling the space. Buyers want to feel sanitary and fresh throughout their potential new home, and that is especially true in the kitchen. Make sure appliances sparkle, countertops gleam and cabinetry faces are spot-free. Mop the floor, keep any kitchen rugs washed/shaken and even empty the dishwasher before each showing if possible!
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