FOXY INTERIORS INCORPORATED IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
HOME STAGING. REDESIGN. RENOVATION
I was tempted to call this "The Misadventures of Appliances". Being a baby boomer, I have an expectation -- an expectation that our appliances last at least 15 years. I guess I'm living in the dream world of old.
About eight months ago, our new one year old Samsung over-the-stove microwave oven serenaded us to intermittent beeps. My husband removed the electronic panel to dissect the problem and for a short while the beeping stopped. We had to unplug the thing to silence it though. If we were lucky enough, we could actually replug it in and it would work. Eventually it got to a point where you couldn't even do that.
I longed for the olden days before all the digital appliances, back when they lasted 15 years or more. Back to the stove we went and proceeded to use the tea kettle as necessary to make hot water. Retro it was BUT IT WORKED!
I was learning to cooperate without having a microwave. This was very different because in the late 70's we had one at home and it was the latest greatest techie gadget of our time, even as heavy as they were. A baked potato in 6 to 7 minutes -- you bet! Life got fast and so did cooking. Thus we became dependent on this new gadgetry.
That's part 1 of this story. The family was dealing with the microwave that was short-lived. We added insult to injury when I came home this past Thursday only to find out that now the washing machine was broken. The service man delivered unbelievable news when he said it would cost more to replace the brain (computer panel) in it than it would to buy a new one.
Off we went to our favorite hangout -- Lowe's -- this morning. A careful review of low-end models to high-end models brought us back to the appliances with digital panels yet one more time. We shopped with a determined eye for the best bargain. "Jim, look over there! I wonder why that appliance is sitting there solo." We went over to look and sure enough it had our family name written all over it. The caveat: It was repaired. This lovely gray wash machine had been damaged in transit. However, the only repair -- the glass top! Yea, we found one! Better yet, it was half-price of retail. It's a Whirpool Cabrio glass top, 4.6 cu ft with all the bells and whistles that this woman is used to. After doing a few loads, the whites are whiter and the clothes are cleaner. I've done my part to save the environment as it's both water and energy efficient. What a great selling feature this could be to a Gen Y'r! It's the perfect choice for for this family!
As I continued shopping in the appliance section -- I struck another lucky bargain. An over-the-stove Whirpool microwave; better yet, reduced $80. I spoke to the store clerk and we swooped on this one too. Now my teenage son can go back to making ramen the easy way and not have to listen for the whistle.
It was a great day at Lowe's: I got to shop and my husband, Jim, got to do projects. Winning combo!
My point to this blog -- one we had a successful day -- but Sara Tara in New Hampshire recently did a great blog on appliances and whether a homeowner should replace their old appliances. Absolutely, EMPHATICALLY, YES!! Buyers want move-in ready so they can bring their belongings into the home and get on with life! They don't want to spend the time shopping and choosing. They want ready-go!
My most helpful advice -- shop for the deals -- and replace those appliances! Better to spend a few dollars up front than have to reduce the asking price of the home because it isn't up to date.
UPDATE IT, STAGE IT, AND GET IT SOLD!
Buying New Appliances Usually Costs Less Than Promising New Appliances
Thanks for dropping by today. Let us know if FOXY INTERIORS can help you with your installation of new appliances, or if we can assist by helping you by getting that interior FOXY look.
Comments(0)