Although location is a major influence on a buyer deciding to make an offer on a property, kitchens can also be deal breakers. Kitchens are usually one of the first rooms a potential buyer looks at and can certainly heat up or freeze a buyer's interest.
So what exactly makes a kitchen hot?
One of the most popular kitchen trends is an open kitchen. Some of the top designers in the industry point out that kitchens aren't just a stove, fridge, and dishwasher surrounded by four walls anymore. Instead, a kitchen is a multi-purpose room that needs to connect to the rest of the house. In fact, the better an open kitchen flows to the rest of the house, the more potential buyers like it. Open kitchens are so popular mainly because they allow those working in the kitchen to still interact with family and guests in other living spaces. Other growing kitchen trends are larger windows, softer lighting, and fewer cabinets.
Don't worry if the above features aren't present in your home. There are plenty of other ways that you can heat up your kitchen and make it more appealing to buyers. For more ideas, see Updating Your Kitchen for Home Sale.
Simple, inexpensive changes
- Tone down lighting - lighting should be approached carefully. You don't want the kitchen to feel like a dungeon, but you don't want harsh lights either. The goal is to use soft lighting that sets a comfortable mood. This can be accomplished with accent lights hidden above or under the cabinets, wall sconces, or a table lamp in an adjoining hallway.
- Create a welcoming gathering space - installing either a portable or permanent island can create a great gathering space in larger kitchens. Add a little food and a few bar stools to the island and you've got a welcoming central gathering space for family and guests. Plus, islands provide additional storage and counter space to a kitchen.
- Visualize comfort - think about what elements make you feel at home and ready to stay and visit when you're at another person's home. You'll want great food and company, of course, but you'll also want to be comfortable. While you most likely aren't including your furniture in the selling price, the feel and look of it in the space can greatly influence a buyer's reaction and mindset about a space. If a buyer sees that you make the space comfortable, inviting, and interesting, then they feel they can too. This is why new constructions are often staged with comfortable furniture and interesting accessories. Throw in some freshly baked cookies and brewed coffee and buyers might just begin to feel at home. On the other hand, your furniture can create the opposite reaction. For example, having chairs that are too bulky, look uncomfortable, or don't match the decor of the kitchen can make the entire kitchen seem wrong and extinguish their interest.
- Make it feel spacious, even if it isn't - while the amount of cabinetry in modern kitchens is lessening, most buyers still want to have a good amount of storage space. If you don't have a good amount of space to work with, then you'll need to come up with a few creative ways to make it. One of the most affordable ways to create storage space is staging a piece of stand-alone cabinet furniture or a baker's rack. Even more bulky items like buffet tables, sideboards, or wall-mounted bars could be an option, depending on the size of the kitchen.
A lot of buyers, especially those buying their first home, know that they want a great kitchen, but walk into it and have little, if any, idea about how a space will or can be used. So remember that taking the time to show buyers how the space is being used and how it can suit their needs is just as important as the space itself. You can also review Homeowners Insurance and Kitchen Updates for considerations related to insurance and kitchen features, or talk to your agent if you want personalized guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What small changes make the biggest difference when selling a home?
Decluttering, soft lighting, and a simple staging setup (like adding stools or a centerpiece) often have a big impact without large expense.
Do buyers prefer open kitchens?
Many buyers value open kitchens because they improve flow and social interaction, but preferences can vary by market and buyer type.
How can I stage a small kitchen to look larger?
Use light colors, keep counters clear, add reflective surfaces like a backsplash, and choose slim furniture to maximize perceived space.
Should I bake or prepare food when showing the kitchen?
Light, pleasant food scents like fresh cookies or brewed coffee can make a space feel welcoming, but avoid strong or lingering odors.