In preparing to sell your home in today's market, one of the best things a seller can invest in is renovations to their kitchen. The kitchen is top of the list that buyers for Highland Park, IL, real estate look at first. After all, the kitchen is the center point of life, whether it is with one's immediate family sharing meals on a daily basis or occasionally entertaining guests…most activities typically revolve around the kitchen.
It makes sense that it is a key area to renovate when preparing to sell. In Deerfield, IL, the homes that sell fastest are the ones that have given some extra love to the kitchen before putting them on the market.
1. Update backsplash
One of the top renovations to wow buyers in Deerfield, IL homes for sale is to freshen up the look of the kitchen with a new tile backsplash. There are many tile designs to choose from to make a “splash”! There are some lovely printed designs on tiles that will make a bold impression, however, it may limit your buyers, as that could be a turn-off for some. The best bet to “wow” your buyers and keep it simple is to use white subway tiles, which never go out of style. You can use colored grout to give it a little more interest or try an
idea like adding glass or stone tile.
2. Quartz countertops
Putting in new quartz countertops will be well worth the investment, as it is one of the top features many home buyers list when it comes to must-haves. Quartz not only has a timeless appeal, but it is very easy to maintain. In comparison to marble and granite, quartz is by far easier to clean. It also holds the place of one of the most hygienic and durable countertop surfaces. While you are changing out your countertops to quartz, chop off any raised bar tops to make it all on one level. This is a more modern look, and very functional.
3. Cabinet facelift
Give those old cabinets a facelift! This is an excellent way to revitalize a kitchen and one of the things homebuyers do not want the trouble of doing themselves. A facelift can be as simple as a coat of fresh paint in a warm, clean or popular color. To go to the next level and give it a more modern look, Jennifer Amaral of Bear Bones Interior Design suggests replacing cabinet doors with shaker-style doors with hidden hinges but keeping the original cabinet boxes to save on costs, then painting everything. Another “wow” factor when it comes to the cabinets is to choose one or two and replace the door panel with glass, add some accent color paint inside and showcase some pretty dishes!
4. Replace fixtures and hardware
Those new cabinets will look amazing with new metal hardware. Even if you only opt to paint the cabinets and not replace them, new hardware will add some “wow”! While shopping for new drawer pulls and handles, pick out a couple of new light fixtures for the kitchen to give it a more modern look. There are so many attractive styles out there now to choose from, the only hard choice will be which one you love most!
5. Stainless steel appliances
Nobody is drawn to a kitchen with outdated or mismatched appliances. Let’s face it, for a good first impression, homebuyers in Highland Park, IL looking at real estate want to see stainless steel appliances. That is one simple fix sellers can easily do to go from ho-hum to wow!
6. New range hood
Never underestimate the impression a new range hood can make on buyers. While technically this could be added under #5 because it is also an appliance, we don’t necessarily suggest only going with stainless steel. There are so many stylish new models to choose from that are also extremely functional. Not only can you replace the old one you currently have with something that adds a lot of pizazz to the kitchen, but you will also add value with something that effectively removes smoke, heat, aromas, and even grease. Research to learn more about some of the
best models on the market.
7. One basin sink
The two basin sinks were popular before homes had dishwashers. One side would be used to wash, the other side to rinse. However, now that dishwashers are used regularly, single basin sinks are more popular. With a single basin, homeowners can wash large pots or cookie sheets a bit more easily.
8. New faucet
While you are updating the sink, be sure to install a new faucet that will impress the buyers coming through for a look. Today's faucet options are endless. With so many to choose from, some even include technology that allows you to speak to your faucet and tell it how many cups or ounces you need in your pot or what temperature of water you’d like! You can also consider a touchless faucet nowadays.
Bob Vila tested them all and came up with some helpful suggestions when it comes to picking a new faucet.
9. Paint
When you desire to “wow” a homebuyer looking at Highland Park, IL Real Estate, you will want to give it all a fresh coat of paint. Just about any bold color works with the modern look of white subway tile.
HGTV has some great ideas to help you choose the right color for your kitchen renovation.
Whether you have already spiced up your kitchen with some renovations or looking to talk to a professional who has experience in Highland Park, IL Real Estate before making upgrades, be sure to contact trusted local agent
Ali Lerner. Ali is passionate about serving those looking to buy or sell property and would love to consult with you.
