Do Kitchens Matter to People that Don't Cook?

Do Kitchens Matter to People that Don't Cook?

Should you worry about your outdated kitchen when so many people do not cook? As the seller you have limited funds to make your home market ready and don't know what to do with you outdated kitchen. 
  

A good agent knows that buyers look at the kitchens even if they don't plan to use them a lot. They tend to think nice kitchens will be good for resale. Kitchens are the soul of the house and many of our childhood memories are forged in the kitchen. To make a good impression and to help sell your house faster and at a higher price you need to have a well presented kitchen. It is the one room that will leave a good impression even if the rest of the house needs updating. 

An outdated kitchen can be refreshed and updated without spending thousands of dollars. A fresh coat of paint on the walls, trim and ceiling are a good place to start. Careful placement of some trendy items can make a drastic difference and still keep from breaking the bank.

Check out the cabinets.

If the condition of the cabinets is good then they make could be given a new look simply by painting a new color and adding new hardware. I have seen some major improvements made by doing these two things. If they are dysfunctional and in poor condition a lower end builder grade cabinet can be used to replace them. These are more affordable than you think.

Countertops matter.

Buyers today like granite and solid tops. There are some lower cost granites that have a good look and with dramatically change the look of the kitchen. Also check out some of the new laminate tops as they have managed to do a good job of mimicking the look of granite.

A new kitchen sink and faucet make a splash.

These two things are not major expenses but make a big impression. Check the local home improvement store for closeouts and sales and you may be surprised at how a few hundred dollars used this way makes a kitchen look up to date. 

Old appliances are sore thumbs.

There is no way to hide these so if the budget will allow invest in some stainless entry level new stainless steel look appliances and send the old one on their way to a donation center. These new appliances will look like new pennies and spice up the kitchen.

Look down and check out the floor.

Flooring is a bigger item so if yours is in poor condition you will need to replace it. A vinyl floor is the least expensive option and many of these look good. Tile or hardwood floors are big upgrades but are the ones that most buyers want. Base your decision on how far your budget can be stretched. A cheerful area rug can do wonders too.

Let the light come in.

If you have a window make sure it is clean and lets lots of light into the room. Remove old curtains and consider a fabric shade or decorative blind. The overhead light must be replaced if it is out of date.  Replacements are very affordable and opt for a new look that will bring some pizazz to the kitchen and give off good light.

Stage the area.

Place a few tasteful items on the countertops and throughout the room. Keep it simple but make it look like a usable, inviting and welcoming kitchen and not a sterile hospital kitchen. Fresh fruit, pottery pieces, a kitchen plant or two are good items to display. Remember bright colors make nice added touches.

Do Kitchens Matter to People that Don't Cook? Yes they do. Buyers will notice if the kitchen is out of date and ding you on the price or move on to the next home and not even make an offer. Improve your outdated kitchen to get your house sold.

Thinking of selling your home in Clarksville TN? Contact Debbie Reynolds, Your Clarksville TN Real Estate Agent to find out the value of your home. 931-320-6730

Click on the photo to see what your Clarksville TN home is worth and to get an evaluation.