Top 5 Kitchen Improvements

[Excerpts from Jim Remley (Real Estate Agent, Oregon) new book entitled Sell Your Home in Any Market - 50 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar!]

Your kitchen can make or break the sale of your home.  Why? A potential buyer  might overlook the fact that the bedrooms are on the "smallish side", but if the kitchen does not measure up, you may want to consider the top 5 kitchen improvements, as recommended by Jim Remley, a top real estate agent in Orego!

•1.      Sinks & Faucets - Clean your faucets, re-caulk your sink and if it's chipped, go to your local hardware store for a fixer kit.  If it's really beat up, maybe it's time to upgrade the faucets, the sink or both.

 •2.      Appliance Upgrade - Updated appliances that match will make buyers take a second look.  It's not cheap-but can make the real estate sign change from "For Sale" to "Sold".  As well, small appliances that take up counter space, and are rarely used, should be packed and stored (break makers, toaster oven).

 •3.      Kitchen Cabinets - You have two options here - replace old cabinets or opt for the less expensive option of re-facing the older ones.  Make sure that whatever you do, that they match your appliances.

 •4.      New Lighting - Buyers are looking for bright, yet soft lighting which makes working in the kitchen a joy.  In addition to upgrading the fixtures, consider installing lighting under cabinets for "task lighting" which throws light to countertop work areas below.

 •5.     Counter Tops - The countertop is the one thing that ties every piece of your kitchen together.  If not, the most expensive and time consuming is to have them totally replaced.  However, there is a cheaper update where you can have them resurfaced with stone veneer, tile or wood laminate.  And don't forget to update your back splash as a worn out backsplash can make the best countertops look dated or dull.

Hope these tips are helpful.