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Upgrading Your Kitchen: For First-time Homebuyers

By
Real Estate Agent with Records Results!Real Estate F3290596

 

 

When you’re buying your first home, imagining the possibilities can be a great part of the process. After all, you’re on the hunt for your dream home! And once you own your first property, you also have the liberty to change just about anything you can think of. Of course, many of my clients like to start in the kitchen. And even if you’re buying a home that has a nice kitchen, there’s plenty more you can do to make it your own, especially without breaking the bank. Let’s discover some of the possibilities together!

 

Adding a fresh coat of paint

Often times, sellers will choose to paint in colors that are as neutral as possible. This way, they aren’t turning off any potential buyers with loud or weird colors. But once you’re in your new home, choosing a color that makes sense for you is a great first way of making a change.

 

Swapping out the knobs

Today, you can get a range of knob choices at various stores. You’ll want to match yours to the style of your cabinets, but in many cases, you’ll still have a nice variety to go with. Remember to set yourself a budget so you don’t go overboard!

 

Installing molding throughout

If you’ve ever been in a kitchen that’s been upgraded with molding, you can certainly see the difference. It can take an attractive kitchen and make it simply elegant beyond belief. The best part about this project is that hiring someone to install it can still be affordable, and if you’re feeling a little handy, it’s a fairly straightforward project at an even lower cost.

 

Putting in open-faced shelves

This year, we’re seeing more and more photos of open-faced shelves in the kitchen. It’s a simple, rustic, and interesting way to show off your dishes, while keeping things functional. You’ll also find that the cost is as attractive as the look.

 

Wheeling in a kitchen island

Wheeling in an island for your kitchen? The truth is that today, stores like Ikea have incredibly inexpensive kitchen islands and carts that look great. Plus, because they’re not permanent islands, you can move them around as you need, giving you even more practical choices.

 

Hanging a new light fixture

Depending on your skill, you may need to hire a handyman to hang your new fixture. But with many interesting pieces not costing an arm and a leg, you’ll be adding new life to your kitchen

 

Placing a plant or two

If you’re a regular reader of our blog here at Record Results, you know how much I recommend adding a plant or two to many of the rooms of your new Southwest Florida home. And because many kitchens have some natural light, this is especially true. Whether you put a succulent inside on the windowsill or a spider plant hanging in a corner, you’ll be adding even more life to your kitchen.

 

Ready for more affordable tips for your new home? Send me an email and let’s talk about your real estate goals!

 

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

Comments (15)

Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Great suggestions that can be done on a budget...one piece at a time !  I think I feel a bookmark coming on for our next newsletter !  

Jun 11, 2017 04:24 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Terry. This is terrific and so well written. I like your photos too. 

Jun 11, 2017 05:51 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Terry Records Those are great upgrading kitchen tips for first time homebuyers.

Jun 11, 2017 10:47 AM
Terry Records
Records Results!Real Estate - Fort Myers, FL

Thanks everyone and have a great week!

Jun 11, 2017 12:37 PM
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

Terry,

You packed a lot of great information for transforming a kitchen to attract first time homebuyers.  Sellers can't go wrong with these tips!

Jun 11, 2017 07:14 PM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I have also found that the cost of granite has been cut in half over the last ten years.

Jun 12, 2017 08:21 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is excellent advice to share.

Have an outstanding week.

Jun 12, 2017 08:49 AM
Terry Records
Records Results!Real Estate - Fort Myers, FL

Thanks all, hope you'll have a super weekend.

Jun 16, 2017 09:32 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Your post shows it really doesn't have to take a lot of money to make a kitchen look much different. Paint, knobs, lights, can go a long way towards personalizing kitchen space!

Jun 17, 2017 04:53 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Terry Records ,

I'm so glad your post was included in Carol Williams "Second Change" series. Personalizing a new home doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money..great tips in making it your own.

Jun 17, 2017 06:53 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

These are some great suggestions. I often find that 1st time homeowners can't spend much on kitchens and they underestimate the costs.  I see many painting cabinets white (and that's totally worth it).  I also see many tearing down a wall for an open floor plan. Great suggestions here for some affordable enhancements.

Jun 17, 2017 10:50 AM
Terry Records

Thanks Debbie, I feel that part of my job is educate people, especially the 1st time buyers, and not just sell the property. They'll come back to you when they're ready to upgrade.

Jun 25, 2017 06:36 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Terry

The kitchen is such an important part of the home and these are really good suggestions for homeowners, especially first timers who don't have a lot to spend but want to make the kitchen their own!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jeff

Jun 17, 2017 11:17 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Terry Records Ikea is giving "cabinet makers" a run for their money..... it's about time!!!

Jun 18, 2017 05:23 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hello Terry -- nice tips to get the thoughts flowing. Your picture of the open shelves framing the kitchen window is very appealing. 

Jun 18, 2017 05:45 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I suggest most, if not all, of these to my sellers too! Fresh paint and knobs does wonders for a kitchen!

Jun 20, 2017 05:41 AM