Are you looking to sell your home? Everyone knows the kitchen is the heart of the home, and that puts it at the top of your list of spaces to renovate before resale. But with so many choices involved with renovating a kitchen, how do you know what choices to make to get the best return on your investment? As a realtor, I have a handful of pro tips to share with you.
Tip #1: Talk to a real estate pro.
The best way to make sure you make smart design choices to maximize resale value is to consult an expert. A real estate professional will be able to tell you what’s worth it and what’s not and how to appeal to buyers currently in the market to buy a home. How? A realtor or another industry professional, particularly one in your region, knows what buyers want to see in the kitchen, both in terms of trends and timeless, classic features that potential buyers will love.
Ready to talk resale value with a pro (yours truly)? Let’s chat!
Tip #2: Keep it simple, but don’t shy away from a couple of “wow” factors.
Simplicity is key, as they say. Busy or loud colors or other funky design choices, fun as they may be, can be polarizing to potential buyers. All potential buyers have their own unique tastes, and they’ll want to make it their own after purchase. That being said, you don’t want your remodel to be so boring as to cause potential buyers to overlook it. Don’t be afraid to add a few personalized touches (a patterned backsplash, a unique light fixture, a rolling ladder, etc.) that may just make the right buyer fall in love.
Tip #3: When in doubt, open it up and lighten it up.
If you’re ever uncertain of what design choice to make, it’s a good idea to “open it up and lighten it up.” Open-concept is in. Good lighting is always a must. If that means taking out a wall, painting a wall a lighter, brighter shade, or adding additional lighting, do it. So, when in doubt, open it up and lighten it up!
Tip #4: Add more storage wherever possible.
Kitchens are a practical space meant for getting things done. That means efficiency is key. One way to maximize practicality is maximizing the efficiency of your kitchen. To do that, add storage wherever possible. That might mean adding more shelving, a larger pantry, more counter space, or an island. However you can add more storage, do it! And when adding storage space, prioritize organization. Most of us struggle to keep our kitchens tidy, so storage spaces with built-in organization are a big plus.
Tip #5: Modernize your fixtures and appliances.
Installing stylish features is a relatively inexpensive way of modernizing and stylizing your kitchen. Think of chic light fixtures, energy-efficient appliances, and touchless faucets. These will draw the eye and give potential buyers confidence that they’re getting high-quality bang for their buck.
Tip #6: Go for the granite.
Go for the gold? More like go for the granite! These days, in the real estate world, buyers want to see granite countertops. It’s almost non-negotiable. That being said, what color or tier of granite is less important to most buyers. That’s where you have more creative and budgetary flexibility.
Tip #7: Build a breakfast bar or eat-in kitchen.
A great selling point in a kitchen is a space to eat or just sit (or work from home). As I said, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Make the kitchen a pleasant space to gather, talk, eat, and laugh by building a breakfast bar or table and chairs near the kitchen. If you can incorporate a cozy breakfast nook? Even better. Potential buyers will love the homey touch it adds!
Tip #8: Don’t forget the floors.
With all the chatter about countertops, storage space, and lighting, there isn’t much discussion about flooring. But buyers pay attention to it… I can tell you the biggest kitchen flooring trend right now is oak hardwood, but the most important thing is to invest in the best quality flooring you can afford. Floors get a lot of wear and tear throughout the years. Options include vinyl, laminate, bamboo, cork, and engineered wood.
Tip #9: Incorporate an appliance garage.
Bulky appliances like blenders, bowl mixers, toasters, can openers, and coffee makers can take up a lot of counter space and really wreck a minimalist’s aesthetic! Appliance garages are a covered space to store hefty appliances so that they’re easily accessible yet out of sight. What a perk for a potential buyer!
Tip #10: Add some open shelving.
Last but not least, add in one or two open shelves. While it’s not practical for most to have all-open shelves (most of us aren’t that organized), most buyers appreciate having somewhere to put their finest china or other prized dishware on display. Bonus: open shelving will make the kitchen feel bigger!
Thinking of buying or selling real estate in the Fraser Valley? Let’s talk!
Hi, I’m Amy! A longtime Langley, BC Realtor, and resident, I am passionate about helping others fulfill their dream of acreage living. Be it a farm, equestrian property, or just some extra space and a yard to roam, I am here to help you find the perfect country oasis to call home. As your Realtor, I believe that my obligations go beyond a simple sales transaction. You deserve expertise, ambition, and an agent that holds themselves to the highest possible standards, protecting you, and ensuring that you make the decisions that are right for you and your family.
Ready to talk about the next step in your home buying journey. Have a property you’re ready to sell? I am here for you. Let’s chat!