Best Kitchen Upgrades Before You Sell Your Home

When the time comes to sell your home, the kitchen can make — or break — the deal. Investing a bit of time and money into kitchen upgrades can result in increased buyer interest, as well as higher sale prices. The good news is that don’t even have to go all out and re-do the whole kitchen; minor kitchen renovations are one of the most cost-effective upgrades, recouping an average of 79.3%.

Here are the top 5 kitchen upgrades to help sell your home faster — and for more.

Reface Those Cabinets

Once upon a time, those 80s-style oak cabinets were the hottest new thing… but today’s buyers want cabinets that look up-to-date. Plus, dated cabinets can give off the impression that the whole kitchen needs to be gutted and redone, which isn’t the exactly the thought you want to put in potential buyers’ heads.

But cabinets don’t come cheap, which is why you should consider refacing them instead. Sanding, degreasing, and staining or painting the cabinet faces makes your dated kitchen look sleek and new again, for a fraction of the price of a complete cabinet replacement. Current cabinet trends (that aren’t too trendy) include adding a few glass doors to lighten the look, dark hues reminiscent of chocolate or coffee, and classic white.

Update the Hardware

Add to your cabinets’ fresh appeal by replacing old handles and pulls with new hardware can go a long way toward updating your kitchen. For just a few dollars per cabinet, you can completely change the look. Remember, when selling your home, staying neutral is key, so consider handles in timeless styles, like brushed pewter or nickel, that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Appealing Counters 

Sick of the dated formica, the chips, and the stains on your counters? Home buyers won’t find them appealing, either. A countertop upgrade adds instant value and appeal to your kitchen. Choosing a laminate in a neutral color is a budget-friendly option, while granite or quartz adds that luxurious feel. Other eco-friendly options that take it easy on the earth (and on the eyes) include bamboo and counters made from recycled glass, paper, and even a resin made from cashew nuts.

Lighten Up

When potential buyers see your kitchen for the first time, you want to make an impression of bright cleanliness. Adding lighting is one of the best ways to brighten up the entire room. Consider under-cabinet LED strips to add ambience and showcase those lovely new countertops. Alternately, replace dated pendants with fresh, new (yet neutral) hanging lights.

Replace the Faucets

For a low-cost upgrade with a big impact, replace that old faucet with a new, modern model. For the most impact, choose a visually appealing faucet with added value like a pull-out spray handle or touchless on-off feature. For just a couple hundred dollars, a new faucet can make a big splash.

These few simple upgrades can have a significant effect on your home’s appeal. If you want more staging and home selling advice, free video series on how to sell your property for more...