Renditions of Real Estate: An Updated Kitchen Goes a Long Way

During the last blog post, I mentioned how important it is to remove personal effects and nuances from the home before listing your house. Let the potential buyer feel as if they can move right in. 

Another important aspect to listing your home is to update the kitchen, bathroom, carpet, landscaping, and most definitely, the kitchen appliances. In a recent listing, the seller wasn’t sure whether he should update the oven/ microwave combination. This seemed like a task that would take weeks to accomplish. He didn’t want to shop for the oven, search the best price, try to find someone to install it, and be available for that dreaded “window of time” a contractor needs to accomplish a job. 

In looking at the kitchen, the appliances were mismatched, and it was revealed the microwave did not work properly. The old appliance was apparently the color white once upon a time. It certainly wasn’t white any longer; it had taken on a dingy yellow color. I understood why he was hesitating, but buying appliances has come a long way! As a savvy realtor, I had the solution.

So my answer? Yes, YES, and YES. Replace it and avoid the objection the buyer may have to the home. (Not to mention the inspector will ultimately call out a faulty appliance).

One week after calling Ferguson Appliances in Bellevue (13020 NE 20th St., 425-869-9007), a new product was ordered and installed. I would like to take this moment to give a shout out to Jay and Don at Ferguson, as well as the contractor Keith, for keeping me up to date on the progress of the installation. These three gentlemen exemplify customer service to the nth degree. Established in 1953, Ferguson’s has thrived on providing stellar customer service. Their corporate website states their mission: “Our associates are known for their energy, enthusiasm and great attitudes. The phrase 'nobody expects more from us than we do' is a belief that our associates live every day.” A big thank you to Ferguson’s for the seamless ordering, delivery, and installation of the new oven. 

So—about that kitchen. Well, the pictures speak for themselves. The kitchen looks fantastic and it didn’t cost that much for the magnificent makeover. The homeowner is wondering why he didn’t change out the oven and microwave sooner. The potential buyers viewing the home have all made comments and opened the oven door to view the product. 

Look around your home if you are thinking of selling. Update, and you will receive the benefit of a quicker sale, and a happy buyer.