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How Important Is Your Kitchen?

By
Real Estate Agent with DFW FINE PROPERTIES 0506509

"There are two kinds of people.... there are the dreamers who go and buy,

and the doers who go and make. And I've always recognized that.

So the dreamers are those that support our company because they 

will buy the product that they could make it, if they wanted to,

had the time, or were so inclined." ---Martha Stewart

 

 

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BUY?  I will ask when working with Buyers. An answer I frequently get is a nice house with a big kitchen. I will follow that up with how important is the kitchen. Listening to their response and hear them tell their reasons or personal stories, I get a better idea of who they are. 

 

CLEAN AND HEALTHY is an answer that usually revolves around how they live. People who don't stay home and cook don't seem to be as direct as a home owner who takes pride in making special meals that are good and healthy and enough space to work, big enough counter space, and enough cabinets and pantry space for all they need. 

 

MARTHA IS VERY PERCEPTIVE - To quote Martha, "There are the dreamers who go and buy and the doers who go and make." The importance of listening is a good indicator of how to serve your clients. Some buyers prefer to cook their own meals; others don't have time and prefer take-out or deliveries. 

 

WHAT DO BUYERS REALLY WANT? Is their idea of a kitchen an opportunity to get creative with making new recipes? Socializing with family and guests? Ordering take-out or having deliveries to share in each other's company without stress?

 

SEASONAL COOKING OR INDOORS? Do they host the parties for holidays and need a big enough kitchen, breakfast area, or dining room? Is their tradition preparing a fried turkey for Thanksgiving on their outdoor patio and barbeque grill? Or is having regular meetings at home part of their schedule?

 

CABINETS, DRAWERS, SHELF SPACE & LIGHTS - Managing a kitchen is essential and depending on needs, each homeowner is different. No matter what type of kitchen you really need, thinking resale is always advantageous. Not having enough of what a buyer wants in a kitchen is often the target for complaints when looking to buy. In my opinion, the best kitchen is a smart kitchen thinker who plans, organizes, and creates a vision for today and tomorrow ---Patricia Feager, REALTOR®, Original Blog Post Writer, Free thinker, and Listener. 

Posted by

Texas Law requires all license holders to provide the Information about Brokerage Services form to prospective clients.

https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/CN%201-4-1.pdf

dfw fine properties

PATRICIA FEAGER, REALTOR®
DFW FINE PROPERTIES
3575 LONE STAR CIRCLE SUITE 315
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76177

Email Me
                                  

                                     

MBA (University of Dallas)
BA
(Bachelors of Arts & Science)
Paralegal (Southeastern Career Institute)
Associates (3) (College of Lake County)
KU (University of Kansas)

CERTIFICATIONS

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
SRES (Certified Senior Residential Specialist)
PSA (Certified Pricing Strategies; Mastering the CMA)
CRS (Certified Military Relocation Specialist)
RENE (Real Estte Negotitions Expert)

"With self-discipline most anything is possible." --- Theodore Roosevelt 

 

 

 

  

Comments(21)

Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Patricia. Personally, I'm always all about my kitchens. That's where I put much of my budget when I've built a home. I like professional grade appliances, lots of cabinet storage, granite counters, etc.

 

Feb 13, 2022 05:18 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Nina Hollander, Broker - you've got it down pat! I also think, since the pandemic, in general, buyer's are needing more space in every room of the house. Also, nothing sells if it isn't clean. 

Feb 13, 2022 05:31 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good. morning Patricia. The I was growing up kitchens were small, meals prepared and consumed, dishes cleaned up and the last one out would turn off the lights. With the explosion of the great room, it has become the main conversation area. Now appearance can be more important than function. Enjoy your day.

Feb 13, 2022 05:24 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Wayne Martin - my mom's kitchen was exactly like you described. Our home kitchen was always bustling with planning, preparing, washing, drying (by hand of course), making school lunches, using paper backs to put our lunch inside, my dad had his thermos bottle always ready before leaving the house, no electrical sounds like dishwashers, microwave beeping, and all the other sounds that came along with innovation. And of course, it was the table us kids used to do our homework or flip through the Sears Catalogs and write down our Wish Lists for Santa Claus! Thanks for mentioning "appearance can be more important than function." That is certainly true! Gone are the days of T.V. dinners on T.V. Trays and incoming great rooms just keeps getting greater and greater!!! By the way, I can't even estimate how many chandeliers I've seen in kitchens, bedrooms, and baths in recent homes. 

Feb 13, 2022 05:38 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Thank you for the post.  Have a SUPER Sunday and eat lots of goodies during the big GAME.  Go Bengals! bill

Feb 13, 2022 05:54 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Bill Salvatore - YVP Blog - Unfortunately, I don't watch football and I haven't had a meal since August 1, 2020. I have no choice and I am surviving on liquids only. 

Feb 13, 2022 06:00 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Patricia - there are those who say the kitchen is the heart of a home and then there are those who make that room prove it to be true on a regular basis.  

Feb 13, 2022 05:56 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Michael Jacobs - I call it the Command Center! Most people I know refer to it as the heart of the home too. 

Feb 13, 2022 06:02 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Patricia,

This is a great description of a kitchen and its place in the mind of most Americans.  And I liked the Martha Stewart quote, she sure influenced the American outlook on cooking. A

Feb 13, 2022 06:46 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Ron and Alexandra Seigel - When it comes to the home gardens or kitchens, Martha has done her fair share of being a positive influence, helping to guide others to have the comforts of home. This is my favorite quote of hers. Thanks! 

Feb 13, 2022 06:58 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

The kitchen is the most important room in the house for me.  When we bought our second home, I was so excited.  We bought a home I never thought I would have with an incredible kitchen.  We moved in and I went to back cookies.  My cookie sheet did not fit.  My oven was undersized!  That oven was a thorn in my side for over 10 years before we could reconfigure the cabinet it was in for a bigger oven.  I learned to be much more observant after that mistake. 

Feb 13, 2022 09:55 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Patricia,
The kitchen is definitely command central in most homes and a key deciding factor for many buyers.

I've lived in my house for 17 1/2 years and have wanted to remodel my kitchen for a while.  However, I know that one thing leads to another and there would be no stopping. My home is 34 years old but very well built and all still functional, with plenty of storage throughout. So, for now, I'm leaving things as they are and saving my money for travel.  😊 

Feb 13, 2022 10:18 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Patricia both the house I grew up in, and my home today have small kitchens, BUT the kitchen was and continues to be today the center of all activities.

Feb 13, 2022 11:07 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP - I know a few people that rarely, if ever, cook. They do take out/carry out or eat out. While they may have a beautiful and functional kitchen, they do not use it.  

My kitchen is very important to me. I prepare and cook 95% of my meals. 

Feb 13, 2022 11:46 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Raymond Henson, eXp Realty - When it comes to kitchens, size does matter. It's easy to get caught up with what seems better but then one has to weigh in and consider, will the space be enough, such as will cookie sheets fit inside the cabinets? Whether a buyer is short or tall, I always recommend 42" cabinets and to check inside those drawers and doors to make sure there is adequate space for the items one needs to store for what they need. That was a good observation and lesson learned, Ray! Thanks for sharing.  

Feb 13, 2022 03:58 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Carol Williams - I'm glad you agree with me, the Kitchen is the Command Center and functionality is key. Yes! I agree with you, when it comes to older homes, whenever there are modifications, the domino effect is sure to follow! Experience is a great teacher! Thanks for your input. 

Feb 13, 2022 04:01 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

George Souto - The kitchen is where magic happens! When seating is tight, we make it work. Making accommodations is what family and friends are for! Where there is love, there is a way!

Feb 13, 2022 04:03 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist - Food needs to be enjoyed, whether it's take-out or making a meal by yourself. Now with inflation and income, everybody I know is carefully watching where their money goes. My prediction is people will be more cognizant of convenience vs. cost regarding health, spending, and what goes into our bodies. Just like people started being aware of where clothing is made, so too will people begin to think differently about what they eat. Awareness and research is really critical. After our previous conversations, I know you know this more than anyone! I really enjoy our talks. Thanks, Kathleen.  

Feb 13, 2022 04:14 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Exactly as if we don’t eat, we don’t live. We need to respect food and the place where we cook food. :

Feb 13, 2022 10:08 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

A nice kitchen is very important for many families, including us. Chef Dolores is updating her selection of spices.

Feb 14, 2022 05:17 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes indeed, the kitchen is a very key part of the "what do you want in a home" discussion. I like the fact that you included outdoor cooking options. Our entertainment and preparation needs could be both inside and outside.

I wish you a wonderful day!

Feb 14, 2022 06:28 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

A large kitchen is a must if you invite your large family over for a meal and everyone wants to gather in the kitchen right under your feet to talk while you are trying to hurry and finish your last minute preparations.  Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day.

Feb 14, 2022 08:19 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

We are spoiled by our wonderful kitchen. I just love it. Plenty of space for us and counter space to create good food.  And yes, everyone gathers around the counter for a good visit when we have family or friends  over.

Feb 19, 2022 07:32 AM