1. KILL THE CLUTTER IN STORAGE AREAS
"We real estate brokers really hate when you open a kitchen cupboard and Tupperware rains out on the potential buyer," says Mark Nash of Evanston, Ill., author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home. "Clear all that clutter out, even if you have to store some stuff in boxes. Same with the pantry — you should be able to see the back wall of any storage area. If the cupboards and pantry are both filled to the brim it will seem like you don't have enough storage space and that sets off alarm bells (for potential buyers)."
Counter space is another area that viewers zero in on immediately, says Nash. "If you've got a toaster, juicer, coffee pot and microwave all up there, move them out. If your kitchen is cluttered, the buyer gets the idea that you don't have ample counter space."
2. HELP TRAFFIC FLOW
"If you've got lots of furniture in the kitchen, get some out of there so people can move through the area easily and they'll get a sense of ease and comfort," says Sue Pelley, national spokesperson for Interiors by Decorating Den, based in Easton, Md. "Take out a few chairs or that rolling cart you use for storage, that kind of thing, or your kitchen will seem smaller and crowded."
3. COLOR THE COUNTERS
If you can't afford a trendy new granite or stainless steel counter, consider painting your tired laminate in an updated shade like a terra cotta color, says Stephen Ingerson, color specialist for Hirschfield's, Inc., a full-service decorating center based in Minneapolis. The main cost is a couple of coats of paint and some sand paper; most do-it-yourselfers can complete the job in a day.
4. COVER UP FLOOR FLAWS
"Make sure to clean all floors and carpets," says Pelley. "If there's grime showing, people will definitely recall their own troubles keeping floors clean and think less of your kitchen." If the floor is worn in spots, consider an area rug. "It doesn't have to be expensive but it should enhance your decor, not just hide the flaw."
5. DO WASH WINDOWS
Emphasize your kitchen's natural light with freshly washed windows and extend the effort to the window coverings, too, by dry cleaning fabric treatments and washing wood blinds. "Since potential buyers will be closely inspecting the windows and using their light to evaluate the rest of the kitchen, hire a cleaning service to take care of this step if you have to," says Pelley.
Resources:
1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home www.1001realestatetips.com
Interiors by Decorating Den, www.decoratingden.com
Hirshfield's, www.hirshfields.comOnce you decide to sell your home, Bradford Miller Law, P.C. can help you with your transaction at a very reasonable rate. Our experienced Real Estate Attorneys have been representing real estate clients for several years now and have earned membership in the Better Business Bureau. Please feel free to visit our website for information about our firm and information about selling a home. To discuss your pending or potential real estate transaction call us at 312-238-9298 for a Free 15-minute consultation.
Posted by Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
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Chicago, IL 60602
312-238-9298
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