Staging Your Kitchen for a Sale

An inviting kitchen can set the scene to help buyers visualize living in your house. Additionally, the state of this room gives buyers a glimpse into the care of the rest of the home. Although many sellers choose to complete a basic remodel prior to listing, here are a few things you can do to present your kitchen in top form to potential buyers.

• Do a thorough cleaning.

Aside from when the in-laws arrive for the holidays, this is the one time you really want your kitchen to shine. Wipe down and scour the baseboards, ceilings fans, walls, windows, cabinets and floors until they’re spotless… then scrub some more.

• Polish chrome fixtures, hardware and stove knobs.

If these items are dated or too worn, consider replacing them. Otherwise, a rag and some polish will make these features shine like new.

• Paint the walls.

A fresh coat of paint in a muted or neutral color can revitalize the entire look and feel of a room for much less than the cost of a remodel.

• Keep surfaces clean and clutter free.

Store cleaning products and small appliances in the cabinets under the sink. Don’t leave your dishes in the sink, drying rack or even the dishwasher. When you put them away in the cabinets, make sure that plates are stacked by size and mugs are aligned.

• Set the tone.

Make the space look homey with a few cookbooks, arranged in size order, on the counter or bookshelves. To add a splash of color, place polished fruit in a large bowl or houseplants in colorful pots on the counter.

• Maximize the space you have.

With the right combination of furniture and accessories, you can highlight the kitchen’s features while minimizing its limitations.

Source: MarketWatch, April 13, 2011