Top 4 Things Buyers Look For In a Kitchen – When I am working with buyers, they almost always have a wish list that includes an upgraded kitchen. When working with sellers, one of the first questions I am asked is which kitchen upgrades are most important to make. So, I am going to break down what kitchen features buyers are looking for that will get the best return on your investment.
The Top 4 Things Buyers Look For in a Kitchen:
- Wood floors
- Island and solid surface countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
- Kitchen Storage
Wood Floors
Starting off with wood floors, they can be regular hardwood floors (also called site finished hardwoods), or some people are comfortable with laminate, engineered, or pre-finished. A popular new choice for flooring is luxury vinyl plank (LVP). LVP flooring is a great hardwood alternative that looks fantastic and is easy to maintain. LVP mimics the appearance and texture of hardwood floors while remaining affordable and less prone to issues from pets and furniture. Wide planks are very desirable for both hardwood and LVP. No matter which upgraded flooring option you choose, buyers will take notice.
Island and solid surface countertops
A kitchen island keeps the space open, provides lots of good workspace, has ample storage underneath, and can be utilized every day and for entertaining. Buyers love to see a spacious island where they can imagine their family and friends gathering. When it comes to your countertops, granite and quartz have both become very desirable materials. Granite is a natural stone directly from the quarry, so each slab of granite will be naturally different. Quartz is an engineered stone product, so the appearance will be more uniform between slabs and you will have more unique patterns to choose from. The price tags for granite and quartz countertops are similar, but as the availability of quartz increases, a basic quartz countertop has become very affordable. Real estate agents always highlight upgraded countertops and it will definitely add value to your home.
Stainless steel appliances
Stainless steel kitchen appliances are practically a must-have for every buyer in this market. Big box retailers often have bundle sales for stainless steel appliances where you can upgrade an entire kitchen for a reasonable price. But, if you’re just looking to upgrade one at a time you can visit online marketplace websites and find a used refrigerator or used dishwasher. You can also look for a nearly new appliance that is being sold because someone didn’t like the kind they or wanted to change from electric to gas cooking. Don’t skimp on the price for this particular upgrade though; upgraded appliances are one of the first things a buyer will note and be pleased to see.
Kitchen Storage
In addition to your fabulous and functional kitchen island, buyers are certainly keeping their eyes out for ample storage space in the kitchen. No one wants to struggle to find a place to keep their kitchenware, gadgets, and food. A feature that has been gaining popularity is specialty drawers and cabinets that are made to store specific items. A drawer for spices, a slim cabinet for baking sheets, or a corner space for large baking equipment is very appealing to a buyer. Other options to consider are pull-out shelves, a lazy susan, custom drawer organizers, or a pantry expansion. When examining your kitchen, ask yourself if a family who loves to cook would feel comfortable with the amount of storage provided. If not, make the kitchen feel like it is as functional as possible by organizing and purging items you don’t use anymore.
These four things combined will completely revamp your kitchen and immediately set your home apart from the competition. Other popular kitchen features to consider are additional/updated lighting, a tile backsplash, a double oven, and a gas cooktop. Each of these upgrades will also give you an edge over other sellers. It is smart to do upgrades that you will enjoy and will be desirable when you sell your home.
Contact Amy Shair
Let me know if you have questions about these Top 4 Things Buyers Look For In a Kitchen or other updating options you are considering.
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