Preparing Your Kitchen

When it comes to selling a home, a kitchen clean up pays. You don't have to do an expensive remodel to make your kitchen appealing to buyers. If you're starting with a good kitchen space, then making a few inexpensive modifications can help you get your home noticed and sell for more money.

 
Here are a few things to start with:

• Some people like to leave every single appliance that they've used in the last week out, but, to show good space,you're going to have to clear your counters. One of the major mistakes sellers make is leaving the kitchen, or their home, the everyday way they live in it. The way you sell and show a home is not usually the way you live in it. Yes, it may be an inconvenience but it's worth the hassle if it brings in more money when your home sells.
  

• So, look around your kitchen and see what you can put away. The more empty the counter tops, the better. A few subtle decorations that bring your kitchen to life are perfect. Leave open space for buyers to imagine their own belongings in your kitchen.

• Wipe the counter tops thoroughly. Sounds so ridiculously simple and obvious. But many sellers forget to do this and the counter tops are left sticky or with stains on them. A little elbow grease could remove a wine stain or watermark and make the kitchen look much more cared-for.

• You might also have some delicious-smelling freshly baked cookies out alongside your flyers for open houses.

• Get some light in the kitchen. If you have all recessed lighting, you might try adding a few pendant lights. They add a completely different look and can be quite attractive.

• Change your flooring if it's very old, torn up, or outdated. Putting in some inexpensive flooring that gives an updated look will help. You don't have to spend lots of money and get the best flooring around, Just make sure your flooring doesn't make your home look like it's in a time warp.

• Add some plants and greenery to the kitchen. Using fresh herbs in simple containers is a great way to add some pretty decor plus their lovely aromatic odors to get buyers thinking about the meals they'd cook in your kitchen.

• Clean up or replace old worn-down appliances.
  

The kitchen is one of the most important areas of a home for most buyers, even if they don't cook. Taking the time to enhance it before you list your home will help make sure your home sells for top dollar.

Carol Murphy

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland ~ Carol Murphy Team

Avon Lake Real Estate