Selling your home in Sierra Vista, Arizona, means you have to present it in its best light – and the kitchen is a focal point for many potential buyers. A well-staged kitchen can not only speed up the sale but potentially increase the selling price too. Here’s a guide on how to make your kitchen truly shine with these ten staging tips.
10 Kitchen Staging Tips to Help You Sell Your Home Fast
In this guide, you’ll learn about:
- Emphasizing cleanliness
- Depersonalizing the space
- Updating hardware
- Adding fresh flowers or plants
- Proper lighting
- Creating space
- Setting the scene
- Organizing cabinets
- Investing in small upgrades
- Highlighting unique features
Here’s a closer look at each.
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Emphasizing Cleanliness
The kitchen is the heart of a home, and as such, it should sparkle. A spotless kitchen signals to potential buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Deep cleaning should be more than a quick wipe-down. It entails scrubbing every corner, from the stove hood to the backsplash, polishing the fixtures, de-greasing the oven, and ensuring the refrigerator is odor-free. Remember, potential buyers will be inspecting every inch. Don’t overlook the importance of a clean, fresh-smelling garbage disposal, either.
Depersonalizing the Space
While your kitchen may be filled with sentimental objects, they can be a visual hurdle for potential buyers. It’s essential to depersonalize the space to help buyers imagine themselves living there. This doesn’t mean you should strip your kitchen of all its personality. Instead, swap personal memorabilia with more neutral décor. Family photos should be replaced with artwork, and refrigerator magnets or kids’ drawings should be tucked away. A neutral palette allows potential buyers to project their own style onto the space.
Updating Hardware
You’d be surprised at the difference that updated hardware can make in a kitchen. If your cabinets are in good shape but look a bit dated, changing the hardware is a simple and cost-effective way to refresh the space. Look for modern designs that complement the style of your kitchen. Remember, consistency is key – ensure the new knobs, handles, and pulls match the other metals in your kitchen, such as the faucet or light fixtures.
Adding Fresh Flowers or Plants
Plants and flowers can infuse vitality into your kitchen, making it look fresh and vibrant. A vase of colorful flowers on the island or a lush plant on the windowsill can create a sense of warmth and homeliness. If you’re worried about maintaining real plants, good quality faux plants can work just as well. Just remember not to go overboard – the greenery should accentuate the space, not overwhelm it.
Proper Lighting
Good lighting is key to showing off your kitchen in its best light. You’ll want to ensure that every corner of your kitchen is well-lit. If your kitchen relies on a single overhead fixture, consider adding under-cabinet lighting to illuminate the workspace. Additionally, replace any burnt-out bulbs and clean dusty fixtures to ensure the light is bright and welcoming. The goal is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that highlights the kitchen’s best features.
Creating Space
Clear, open spaces signal to buyers that the kitchen is roomy and functional. To create a sense of spaciousness, remove all non-essential items from the countertops. Things like small appliances, utensils, and cutting boards should be stored away. The items that remain, such as a coffee maker or a stylish stand mixer, should be kept tidy and dust-free. This decluttering extends to the pantry and cabinets – potential buyers will likely peek inside to assess storage space.
Setting the Scene
Staging your kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics, but also about evoking feelings of daily life. This could mean setting a bowl of fresh fruits on the counter, arranging a coffee station with your best mugs, or placing a cookbook on a stand with the pages open. These small touches suggest a comfortable, lived-in space without being too personal. They allow buyers to visualize the kitchen as a functional, everyday space.
Organizing Cabinets
Clean, well-organized cabinets suggest ample storage space, a high priority for many homebuyers. Take time to declutter your cabinets, discarding any unused items. Group similar items together for easy accessibility. Plates, bowls, and glasses should be stacked neatly. Pots and pans should be arranged with their lids. Not only does this present your kitchen as well-organized, but it also demonstrates that there’s plenty of storage space.
Investing in Small Upgrades
While complete kitchen remodels can be expensive and not always yield a high return, small upgrades can pay off big. This might mean installing a modern faucet, upgrading to a sleeker cooktop, or replacing outdated light fixtures. Even new window treatments can make a significant impact. It’s these little details that can give your kitchen a fresh, updated look without breaking the bank.
Highlighting Unique Features
If your kitchen has unique features, make sure to show them off. A pull-out pantry, pot filler, or a built-in wine rack aren’t standard in every home and can act as a selling point. Highlighting these features during showings can help distinguish your kitchen from others on the market. Even something as simple as a spice drawer or a built-in cutting board can impress potential buyers and give your kitchen an edge.
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FAQ About Kitchen Staging
Check out these commonly asked questions about kitchen staging. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for here, please call our office and we’ll get you the information you need.
How much should I invest in kitchen renovations to sell my house?
The decision to invest in major kitchen renovations isn’t a straightforward one. While a sleek, modern kitchen can definitely be a selling point, significant renovations don’t always yield a high return on investment. Consider the current state of your kitchen and the housing market in your area before deciding on major renovations. Small, cost-effective updates often make a significant difference. For instance, replacing dated hardware, updating light fixtures, or even just a fresh coat of paint can modernize your kitchen without requiring a complete overhaul.
Related: The complete guide to living in Sierra Vista, AZ
What should I do with kitchen appliances when staging?
When staging your kitchen, consider your appliances as integral components of the overall look and feel of the space. They should be clean, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. A grimy stove or a noisy refrigerator can be a turnoff for potential buyers. Regular maintenance and deep cleaning of your appliances are a must. If your appliances are outdated or not in good working order, it may be worth upgrading to newer models. Modern, energy-efficient appliances can be a selling point to eco-conscious buyers. However, consider the overall style and price range of your home. High-end appliances may not be necessary in a starter home, but could be expected in a luxury property.
How much does the kitchen affect a home sale?
The kitchen plays a pivotal role in the home selling process. Often considered the heart of the home, a kitchen is a space where families gather and meals are prepared. Therefore, potential buyers usually pay a lot of attention to this space. A well-staged, clean, and functional kitchen can greatly increase your home’s appeal and potentially its selling price. By strategically staging your kitchen, you can create an inviting space that allows potential buyers to envision themselves cooking and entertaining in the space.
How should I handle personal items and clutter when staging my kitchen?
Clutter and personal items can be distracting to potential buyers. When staging your kitchen, aim for a balance between lived-in and clean. Personal items, like family photos or children’s artwork, should be stored away to help prospective buyers envision the kitchen as their own. Remove any items from countertops that aren’t necessary for daily use or don’t contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. This includes small appliances, dish racks, and random knick-knacks. If you have a habit of storing mail or keys on the kitchen counter, find a new home for these items while your house is on the market. Clear, clean countertops suggest ample workspace and make the kitchen appear larger.
Related: Contingencies in real estate: What they are, when to waive and more
How can I highlight my kitchen’s best features?
Every kitchen has its unique features that can be major selling points. Perhaps you have a spacious pantry, a high-end range, a convenient pot filler, or an innovative kitchen island. Whatever it is that sets your kitchen apart, make sure to highlight it. This could be as simple as leaving the pantry door slightly ajar so buyers are sure to look inside, or setting a teapot on the stove to draw attention to the range. If you have a gorgeous backsplash, ensure it’s spotless and well-lit. When staging your kitchen, think about what you love most about the space and find ways to showcase those elements.
Are You Buying a Home in Sierra Vista or Cochise County?
If you’re buying a home in Sierra Vista, Huachuca City, Palominas, Tombstone, Bisbee or elsewhere in Cochise County, the Amanda Ohnstad Team is here to help you have fun and get it done. While you’re here, check out our hottest home searches:
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