The kitchen is a major selling point – a place where potential buyers put most of their focus when finding their dream home. If you’re going to put your home on the market, the appearance of your kitchen can make or break your sale. Here are some insider secrets on how to stage your kitchen to sell.
- Scrub everything down. Having your kitchen sparkling clean will increase the chances of your home selling quickly. Make sure your oven and stovetop are glistening. Sprinkle the surfaces with baking soda, then use half of a lemon to activate the baking soda. Rinse with a cloth and warm water to reveal a like-new oven range! Wipe out the shelves and drawers in your refrigerator to remove spills, crumbs, and other debris. If your kitchen has a tile backsplash, use a degreasing cleanser and toothbrush to clean the surface of grease buildup. Don’t forget to clean in between the grout. Of course, you’ll want to sweep and sanitize kitchen flooring as well. Nothing turns a buyer off like a sticky, grimy kitchen floor!
- Remove your clutter. Like any other room in your home, the kitchen should be rid of any clutter that you might have. Clear countertops of everyday appliances like your coffee machine and toaster. Sift through the all-too-common pile of mail on your kitchen counter, tossing what you don’t need and filing away anything important. If you have an island or table in your kitchen, keep decor to a minimum. A small flower display or candles will make the kitchen feel like a home without making it feel too much like your home. In general, the less clutter on surfaces, the better. Just before a showing, make sure the trash and dishwasher are emptied out to prevent any strange odors from lingering.
- Purge and organize. Overcrowded drawers and cabinets can signal to buyers that your kitchen lacks enough storage space. Before you show your home, go through all of your kitchen gadgets, getting rid of anything you don’t want or need. When it comes time to put everything back, do so in an organized fashion. Keep cooking utensils together in one drawer, eating utensils in another. Organize your pantry in a way that makes sense. Using baskets and containers is a great way to keep food groups together, making your kitchen look and feel more put together.
- Decorate with care. Cleaning and organizing your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to completely strip it of personality. After all, you don’t want your kitchen to be completely empty and look un-livable! Use decorative containers to store rice, beans, or baked goods on your countertops. Display fruit in a fancy bowl. Stack a few cookbooks with pretty covers on an exposed shelf next to a plant. Carefully consider all of the decorations you’re going to display to avoid going overboard.
- Make the updates that you can afford. Nothing revives a kitchen like a fresh coat of paint. If you have a small budget for your kitchen, make repainting a priority. Regardless of how on-trend your kitchen paint color is, a fresh coat can brighten and enliven a space, enticing buyers when it comes to selling. If it’s been some time since your kitchen has seen color, consult with Birmingham, AL painters for the best suggestions in kitchen paint color.
Keep your kitchen looking tidy and fresh with these staging tips. Here’s to selling your home quickly and easily!