We’ve all heard it a million times….Kitchens Sell Homes!!! So today I’m going to give you some insight on what really needs to be done to your kitchen before I list your home! In today’s Nashville Real Estate market, homes are selling quickly, but, you still only have one chance to make a 1st impression on your home buyer. In our home, our kitchen is the soul, meaning we cook everyday, run our dishwasher everyday, use a ton of plates, cups, utensils, and appliances. BUT, you don’t want your home buyer to see all of that! As Always CLEAN AND DE-CLUTTER!!
DRAWERS
Empty out your drawers and remove all the grime and crumbs that happen from life. I like to empty out the drawers and use a vacuum to get all the small stuff and then wipe down. Some clean kitchen liners and organizational pieces add a nice touch. Those few items that only get used 2 times a year, either go ahead and pack up, or toss. Less is more. You never want your buyer to think you don’t have enough storage/drawer space. If you really want to spruce up the drawers, add some nice hardware to them, this is an easy affordable DIY that adds a lot of value. Remember you don’t want anything too unique or different, just something that matches the rest of your decor.
CABINETS
Cabinets are very similar to drawers with the idea of de-cluttering, cleaning, lining, and sprucing up with hardware. Those plastic kids cups you’ve been collecting can go, and the holiday dishes can go ahead and be packed. Have all of your dishware, mugs, bowls, etc. in their own spot, nicely lined and organized. Remember, the more you can get rid of now, the less you have to pack and move and the nicer they will appear. That area above the cabinets to the ceiling is not supposed to be storage. It shouldn’t have more than a couple of decorative items, and don’t forget to dust and clean that area too.
OVEN and STOVE
Get a good pair of rubber gloves and a cleaning product and clean out the oven. I’ve found some elbow grease does wonders on our stove to remove all the extra “stuff”. After you get it ready to shine, pick up an oven liner. I found ours @ our local Bed Bath and Beyond. They fit in the bottom of your oven and catch-all of the drippings. These also make it so much easier to clean the next time because you can just toss and replace the liner. If you have a flat glass top surface a razor blade will help to remove all the dried up oil, food, and grime. Then my favorite product for our stove is Soft Scrub. If you have stove with electric coil burners, replace the metal inserts. These are cheap and much easier than trying to get them clean.
FRIDGE
Same concept with the CLEANING! Take everything out of your fridge wipe down all the drawers and shelving. Show the real potential your fridge and freezer have. Unfortunately, the kids art, magnets, schedules, and pictures need to be removed also. The top of your fridge should not be a storage area for food or anything else. Remove everything from the top and clean and wipe down.
COUNTERS
The end goal with your counters is extremely minimal. If you have granite, then you want to show it off, not the toaster oven. Even if you don’t love your countertops you still want your home buyer to see their full potential so go ahead and remove as much off of them as you can. Try to aim for 1 small appliance on the counter, of course, this is relative to the size of your kitchen, but most of the time it’s a good goal. This could be your coffee pot, Keurig, or microwave, but not all of them. A couple of accessories, new kitchen towels, a pretty soap dispenser, small plant, or a cookbook is a creative way of showing off your kitchen and still showing how wonderful your countertops are!
SINK
If you haven’t changed out your kitchen faucet, it is a great and easy DIY project that will upgrade and add value. Running a cleaning solution through your garbage disposal removes any unwanted odors. My favorite is a little baking soda and a couple of slices of lemon. Make sure your sink is empty and clean and wipe down the inside of the sink basin before it shows.
DISHWASHER
Wipe down the exterior and around the buttons to remove grime and dirt. Unload your dishwasher so it is empty and clean. You want to show the space, not last nights spaghetti.
FLOORS
Scrub those babies clean! Take a weekend to pull out the larger appliances and vacuum underneath. If you have tile, clean your grout with a vinegar solution or use a “re-painting Grout” product. Replace your kitchen rug and keep it stowed away and clean so you can put it out when your home is going to be shown.
If you really need to add value and up grade consider:
New Lighting
Re-facing or replacing Cabinet doors
Adding a Backsplash
Re-facing or replacing Countertops
Make this as easy as you can on yourself. Get your kitchen nice and clean and then keep a large tote on hand. When its time for your home to show, collect things that shouldn’t be out, put out your fresh rug and new towels. Empty your trash and wipe down countertops.
YOUR KITCHEN WILL SPARKLE!!
If you are thinking about selling your home, let me come over and I will help you get READY.
As Always, thank you for your continued support, referrals, and taking time to read my Blog!
Thanks,
Adam Killgore
The Doug Austin Team
Benchmark Realty
o:615.371.1544
c:615.429.0597
Adam@ReloNashville.com
