Here I go : I believe in Positive Blogs. I enjoy reading and sharing with others on Active Rain. If you are in the Real Estate World being a member of Active Rain increases your knowledge . We share ideas and it truly makes a difference.
Being a Full Service Broker working many long days I enjoy what I do. Like most agents I am there from beginning to end to guide my clients every step of the way. 
Results Guaranteed! 
Now, when you call me in to your house I go room to room and make suggestions on how to get your home ready. What are the most important rooms? All of them, as each and everyone makes a difference. However we all know Kitchens and Baths are important to buyers. And they will cost you if not updated or presented clean and workable for the time being as many buyers do not have extra money to put into what they perceive as expensive updates.
Frequently , as a tour a well kept home I am so pleased when everything has been decluttered and light and bright. Decluttering makes a huge difference. Up to date or neutral paint color is a huge plus and in Naperville. Illinois if you have white painted wood work we are almost a home run.....
Then, I turn the corner and either a sign of relief goes through my mind or my smile freezes as I see a home that has not done anything to the kitchen in 30 years. I have recently been in homes with appliances older than the home. 
Not only do they use a lot of energy, they are not pretty and can date a whole house. Buyers over estimate the cost of new appliances and consequently the house stays on the market longer and sometimes sells for less, much less than an updated appliance package. I am not an advocate of putting granite on old cabinets like many people are. However a great refrigerator, stove, built in microwave and updated can mean quicker sale and thousands of dollars in my market especially in the 400k and up market.
When getting your home ready make your kitchen SHINE! This will result in a
quick sale for more money: Home Run 
If you are lucky enough to have the resources update the appliances, take down any wall paper, professionally paint the cabinets, get the microwave off the counter, change your cabinet handles and do all you can to make your kitchen inviting and up to date. If it looks like it never left the the year it was built your price 
and market time may be disappointing.
It is important to do a cost analysis and weigh the benefits of how much is worth putting into your home. Sometimes, in Real Estate it takes money to make money.
House prices are up in Naperville, Illinois.
There were110 single-family homes sold in Naperville during December represented a 19.6 percent increase over December 2011, according to the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors (MORe).
Next Week: The Stainless Steel Nightmare: Do you feel the pain:
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