The Kitchen Is Key to Any Home

As you prepare to sell your home, marketing its strengths can help boost your chances of success. But what exactly are today’s buyers looking for? Over the past few years, the hottest real estate selling point has been the kitchen, otherwise known as the modern heart of the home. When homes are listed for sale with good kitchens, they often generate offers faster than similar-sized homes in the same area – and for more money. Here, World-Ranked Broker Terrie Cox, RE/MAX Equity Group, draws on her Pacific Northwest market expertise to outline how to get the most benefit from your kitchen when listing your property.

The Modern Heart of the Home

Decades ago, kitchens occupied small, closed-off spaces that were separated from more formal dining rooms. Today, especially in the Pacific Northwest, open kitchens beckon families and guests inside to prepare their food, eat their meals, or even just share a chat or do homework at the island.

Since kitchens have become places of togetherness, buyers value those that are aesthetically pleasing and smartly designed. For example, a centralized kitchen island or breakfast bar can accommodate large groups of people, providing space for family and friends to stand, sit, and cook together. If you lack these pieces or feel like your kitchen is cramped and stuffy, consider applying a bright, light color to the walls and cabinetry, creating an airy feel for buyers.

The Allure of Appliances

You’re likely aware of the current stainless-steel appliance craze sweeping the nation. Simply put, today’s buyers want updated microwaves, ranges, and dishwashers that match the overall look and feel of a home’s kitchen. If you just haven’t had the time to change out that white refrigerator for a gleaming stainless option, listing your home is the perfect reason to do so.

When you deliver on this front, buyers won’t need to worry about choosing a new appliance or paying to have one installed. Instead, they’ll be able to focus on how well they can picture themselves in your space as they imagine holiday dinners, romantic nights for two, and family meals.

Tackle Renovations and Repairs Now

Let’s face it – home renovations can be daunting. And when they involve plumbing, gas lines, and tile work, having them done becomes that much more unappealing to buyers. That’s why it’s so important for your kitchen to be updated cosmetically and functionally. For example, if your stove and its fume hood don’t match, make the simple effort to update this feature to please buyers’ eyes. Or if chilly Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA winters sometimes freeze pipes, hire a professional to add insulation as soon as possible.

Maximize Your Kitchen’s Potential with Terrie Cox, RE/MAX Equity Group

With a beautiful, updated space, you may be sad to leave your kitchen behind. Fortunately, the potential to shorten your home’s time on the market and increase its value will more than make up for it. If you’re
selling a home in Portland or Vancouver, Terrie Cox, RE/MAX Equity Group, can help you. With over 30 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest real estate market, she has the know-how to guide your kitchen renovation and marketing decisions. Contact Terrie Cox, RE/MAX Equity Group, by calling or texting 360-607-4100 today. Buying rather than selling? Check out
Terrie’s listings to find luxury kitchens you’ll enjoy for years to come.