Q:  I have retro appliances in my kitchen, original to the home.  I think they're kinda groovy and are a bonus, but agents have said these will hinder my sale.   What do you think - groovy or old-school?


A:  To be honest, it depends on your buyer and how well it's presented.   If the retro appliances are in great shape, work wonderfully, and there's no mechanical need to replace them - that's one thing.  However, if the appliances are half working, half not, don't function at all, or are merely being used as extra cupboard space at this point - that's a whole 'nother animal.  

If the appliances are working great, and they don't build them like they used to so most run like champs, then you need to consider the decor.  Do the appliances stand out as crazy retro in an otherwise updated or sedate kitchen?  Do they blend in well or provide an accent that is aesthetically pleasing or stand out like a sore avocado green thumb?  

Most of us simply can't pull off a retro style kitchen, but if done well, it can help your home!   Overall, agents will recommend updating and going modern - green is the go-word of the day but they do mean energy-efficient, not color!  It's easier to for most folks than pulling a good scheme together, and appeals to more buyers anyway.  A lot of youngster first-timers are turned off by "grandma's kitchen."  



All in all - the overall recommendation is to update the appliances at the minimal with new epoxy if possible to erase the very retro colored (avocado, harvest gold, pink, etc) enamel, and preferably to update the items or price accordingly.  If you can pull off a groovy kitchen and do it well, with fully functional appliances, by all means go for it!  You'll find a special buyer that really appreciates it, even if you have to wait a smidge longer!

And don't think I'm dissin' on the Groove - we have some pretty Groovy agents at our office!

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