Selling a House & the Art of the Kitchen Remodel

Local homeowners who happened to read last Wednesday’s Associated Press article were certainly cheered up. “Most economists,” it read, “said that the January report was encouraging, especially when viewed with other recent positive housing data.” The A.P. was discussing the most recent NAR. report that sales of homes had increased 4.3%. The same report indicated that although prices were still depressed, the pace of decline has been slowing markedly. 

So, for anyone who has been putting off selling a house in our area, it is becoming clear that the overall market is headed back up. But what to do about those prices? Sit and wait? For those who have waited long enough, there are positive actions that have long been used to affect the market value of homes. Prime among them: the low-cost kitchen remodel.  

Appliances

One kitchen-remodeling shortcut is to simply replace old appliances with new energy-efficient ones. A new range, oven, dishwasher and refrigerator are straightforward kitchen upgrades that can’t help but increase the odds of selling a house. To save money, consider buying from appliance warehouses or even online. Another idea is to reface appliances that are more serviceable than they look – an especially apt approach for stainless surfaces that just cannot be revived.  

Kitchen Cabinets

Putting a new face on old cabinet doors and drawers give a kitchen a fresher look. Experienced hands choose classic designs in neutral colors to appeal to the greatest number of potential homebuyers. Check the home improvement stores. They usually have a wide range of low-cost panels that fit most cabinets. An even thriftier option is to simply change the hardware on cabinet doors and drawers. New hardware gives a kitchen a different look – but please -- instead of gold, go for stainless steel or brushed nickel (a look today’s local buyers generally prefer). 

Sinks and Faucets

A gleaming new sink and faucet can also improve the chances of selling a home. Many people favor a stainless steel sink, but it is the fresh caulking and shine that really screams “new”.  New faucets that are stylish and functional also improve a kitchen's salability and are one of the absolute cheapest quick fixes for any kitchen. Just be careful that any new purchase is compatible with the existing fittings.  

When it comes to selling a house, there are many things the homeowner can do to improve its salability yet don’t cost an arm and a leg. Simple kitchen remodeling efforts needn't be overly expensive, but can greatly improve the walk-in appeal of the entire property.  If you are considering selling a home in town, give me a call today to discuss a price evaluation.  We can also talk over some quick improvements you might make to take advantage of the upcoming spring market. Call me today and I can review you rproperty to give you my best opinion on how we can get more money for the house! 714-908-4114.