Building Up a Mountain of Expectations
HGTV and other like networks that tout the latest trends in kitchens are building a mountain of expectations with home owners and soon-to-be home owners out there. While we are living through an unbelievable seller's market, buyers are struggling to afford homes in just about every market in the United States. Yet, the primary concern a good number of them have is what the kitchen updates are or, how quickly they can update the kitchen. When did cosmetic finishes become essential?
Earlier tonight, I wrote a post on my personal blog about embracing ugly kitchens. First time buyers with granite, gray or white cabinets and stainless steel appliances in their minds translate to a newly licensed driver turning their nose up at the hand me down family car while waiting for a new, luxury sports car. Would a new driver turn down whatever car they could afford if it ran and was reliable? NO! Why are buyers turning their noses up at outdated kitchens and making remodeling them a priority?
Perhaps our seller market conditions will bring expectations into a more realistic realm for first time buyers. The highest end finishes were not even a consideration when many generations before bought their first home. It was achieved over time as more important things came into focus. The pandemic has certainly made saving a more important priority for many.
We'll see if ugly kitchens are ever embraced for just being the place where a family recipe can be prepared and bring joy. What happens in the kitchen is far important than its appearance. Doesn't mean that you can't update the kitchen when it is financially comfortable to do. Going into debt to update a functional, outdated kitchen makes zero sense. Nor does draining your savings to get granite and stainless steel appliances to replace laminate counters and functioning appliances in uncertain economic times.
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