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How to Bring Your Home Kicking & Screaming Out of the '90's

By
Real Estate Agent with Dove Realty Inc.

You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.  The typical 90’s kitchen filled with ‘golden oak’, laminate countertops, and a skimpy little backsplash.  Although it’s spacious, well laid out, in very good condition, today’s buyers could care less.  They want what they want, and what they want will typically cost 20k-50k in renovations.  So, what do you do if you have a smaller budget, say 5k-10k?    How about this…

  This is This is how I transformed one of my listings on Capitol Hill –

  • I had my handyman guy lightly sand all of the cabinetry (and when I say lightly, I mean lightly). 
  •  Then I had him apply Old Masters Vintage Burgundy Gel Stain.  Make sure you use the gel stain by Old Masters.  I have used them all, and this is the best. 
  •  The next step was installing new granite countertops in a basic, neutral black.  I know when you look at all the choices available in granite, you might think black sounds boring.  Just remember, what you think is exciting, may not be what your next buyer finds exciting.  Black countertops are like a little black dress – timeless.  Plus they are often less expensive.
  •  I found 12” marble tiles for under $4/sq ft. at Home Depot, and had my tile guy cut them in half and install them in a brick lay pattern all the way to the bottom of the upper cabinets and to the ceiling, where applicable.  No more skimpy back splashes!

 

Close-Up After

 

VOILA!  A kitchen the pickiest buyers can fall in love with, for less than 7k.

And they did.  This house sold for 800k, full price, in two days.  That is 50k-70k more than it would have sold for with the old kitchen.

  

If you would like some help dragging your home out of the 90’s, give me a call.

 

Susan Peters - Broker/Staging Specialist

 

“The Better it Looks…The Better it Sells”

 

206-781-1724           Susan@SusanPeters.com

 

 

 

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Susan, it doesn't take much to transform a kitchen and sure brings into this decade!   The kitchen is so important too! 

Jan 11, 2015 05:32 AM
Joanne O'Donnell
Chic Home Interiors - Oakland, CA

I can't see any photo? sounds good, but would love to actually see it...

Jan 16, 2015 01:51 AM
Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

Yes - I'd love to see those pictures too!  Hope you take the time to update the post and add them!

 

Jan 16, 2015 08:46 AM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Thanks for being patient with my photo problems. I just got them up.

Feb 11, 2015 03:03 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Susan, your kitchen transformation is stunning!  Black marble is not my favorite, but I am in love with this kitchen. Great job!

Feb 23, 2015 08:23 AM
Michael Elliott
Fathom Realty - Burlington Township, NJ
Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales

Wow, you certainly bring value to your listings and clients, well done !!

May 12, 2024 03:31 AM