We all know the kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s a major buying feature when purchasing a house and that’s why it’s important for a home buyer to see the potential this space has when putting in an offer. The following home staging tips will help get your kitchen counters show ready.
According to a 2013 National Association of Realtors Home Features Survey, they found granite countertops were important to 20-percent of home buyers. While new kitchen appliances and eat-in kitchens were most important to buyers, the kitchen was the most common home improvement made after purchase.
Home Staging Tip #1: What’s In a Material?
Possibly an offer. In September 2014 the Real Estate Staging Association found that the most recommended countertop material for resale was granite and replacing the kitchen counters is one of the top recommendations made among home stagers for resale.
Now, if you have those countertops in your kitchen, you’re half way to a sale, but what if your counters are less than attractive, well there are still simple home staging tips you can do to beautify this space and create maximum square footage.
Home Staging Tip #2: Wax On, Wax Off.
It’s important to wipe down your kitchen counters. Use a new sponge or paper towels with white vinegar or warm water and dish soap to avoid spreading bacteria. Also, look for cleaning supplies that will make your counters sparkle and shine. When looking for a cleaning product make sure it doesn’t leave residue or film behind, that it cleans on the first wipe and that has a pleasant odor.
Home Staging Tip #3: Start With a Blank Space.
Make sure to remove everything from your countertops and start from scratch this way you access just how much space you have. We want to make sure that even when you place items back on the counters that there are still some blank spaces, which allows a break for the eye to rest.
Home Staging Tip #4: Limit Your Appliances.
Pay close attention to the appliances you use on your countertops. Chances are you don’t use all of them all the time. You’re only allowed three appliances on your countertops, so choose wisely and pick the ones you use most often.
Home Staging Tip #5: Clean Sink.
No one wants to walk into their dream kitchen and see a sink full of last night’s dirty dishes, so make sure you wash your dishes or put them in the dishwasher after every use. It’s a good habit to have, especially when your home is open to public scrutiny while on the market.
Home Staging Tip #6: Create Countertop Stations.
Take a cue from the appliances used on the countertop or where the countertop is in correlation to the stove, sink, etc. For example, if you have a coffee maker on your countertop, create a station that houses a few mugs, the coffee pods, sugar, creamer and possibly a plant. By creating stations on counters, you’re showing buyers how organized this kitchen could potentially be.
Home Staging Tip #7: Use Colored Accessories.
It’s always important to bring in color or even natural elements into a kitchen space because kitchen materials like porcelain, granite, tile, even cabinets can feel a bit cold and boring. Take a cue from the colors in your kitchen materials to add some warmth into this space, remember it’s a space that will be used multiple times a day to bring a family together so showcase that on your countertops.
Happy Selling,
