Traditional, modern or rustic kitchens can increase a home’s value exponentially. Avid Ratings Co. released a study in 2013 that showcased exactly what today’s homebuyer is looking for and-surprise!-kitchens sizzled to the top of the list with “large kitchens with an island.” This came before energy-efficient appliances, two-car garages and even a master suite.
Jason Ball of Jason Ball Interiors, a successful staging company, says “In terms of the biggest bang for your buck, minor kitchen remodels and master bathrooms are the big sellers.” If a house is “just okay” in every other regard but has a standout kitchen, buyers are more likely to make (higher) offers. Installing new, high quality cabinets in both the kitchen and bathroom (a big runner-up) is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a statement and catch the eyes of buyers.
Spending Wisely
According to designer Emily Wilde, “Two rooms have been cited for years by real estate experts as the highest value for return on investment in remodeling: The kitchen and the master bath.” In fact, the Wall Street Journal reported that mid-range kitchen remodels boast a higher return on resale than upscale kitchen remodels that include all new state of the art appliances and the like.
If you’re flipping a house or getting ready to sell, it’s important that you choose updates such as cabinets that have mass appeal. This isn’t the time to get uber creative and bust out your dream of cabinets featuring zebra stripes, cheetah spots and leopard print. Instead, focus on neutrality and the best in quality.
Accessorizing Your Space
Lighter colors and stains open up a room and make it appear larger. Keep this in mind no matter what the size of your kitchen. There’s no such thing as too big when it comes to the heart of your home. Even with the square footage of the room clearly listed, buyers shop with their eyes (not with math equations) so choosing a lighter wood and/or stain is a wise move.
Flippers and sellers can also accentuate the kitchen with handcrafted tables or hutches. It helps potential buyers see themselves in the home-and you might even receive an offer to buy the furniture with the house, which can bring in a tidy profit as a bonus. Most sellers have to spend money in order to make it on a sale, so do so wisely (starting with the cabinets).
Season to Taste
What do you picture when you hear the words “Thanksgiving,” “Christmas” or “homework?” Many people imagine the family fathered in the kitchen, maybe whipping up some cookies or buckling down with the kids over a science project. When staging your home for sale, dress up your kitchen to mimic an upcoming holiday or season (like back to school).