The kitchen is one of the most important parts of any home, especially when it comes time to sell. An outdated kitchen can make or break a home for many buyers, so it’s important to have your kitchen ready to go before you list the property. Here are four renovations you should consider making before you begin staging your home for sale.
Install New Countertops
If your current countertops are old and worn out, one of the best things you can do to improve your kitchen is to replace them. Quartz and granite countertops are the most popular options these days, but less-used materials like wood and epoxy can also add charm and character to the area. With new counters, you’ll be amazed at just how much newer and fresher the entire kitchen feels.
Rethink Your Flooring
Many older homes have old, dingy linoleum flooring in the kitchen that can be a serious turn-off for buyers. Consider putting in tile, hardwood or, vinyl flooring that will have a more modern feel to it. Because the flooring runs the entire length of your kitchen, switching it out can have a profound impact on how the room looks as a whole.
Update Your Backsplash
One of the most overlooked elements of kitchen remodeling is the sink backsplash. Changing the backsplash material to modern tile or even stone is a subtle yet effective way to update the kitchen. At the same time, you may also want to change out your kitchen faucet. By doing these two things, you can give the kitchen an updated feel without having to make large or expensive changes.
Replace Old Cabinets
Like old flooring or countertops, outdated cabinets will detract significantly from your kitchen in a buyer’s eyes. If your cabinets are only a bit outdated, you can probably give them a facelift by repainting them and replacing the cabinet hardware. For cabinets that are obviously quite old, though, you’ll most likely be better off going for a complete replacement. If you’re also replacing your countertops, it’s very important to match your new cabinets to the counter material. Even if both are brand new, mismatched counters and cabinets will make your kitchen look odd and uninviting to potential buyers.
By making these four upgrades, you can be certain that your kitchen is ready to dazzle buyers. Even though it will require some investment on your part, remodeling your kitchen before listing your home is one of the best ways to get a quick sale and a higher purchase price.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan