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- Use energy-saving and innovative appliances: Kitchen appliances are important and these days consumers are looking for innovative models that also save on energy costs. For example, some new refrigerators are Wi-Fi enabled and can connect to the internet for recipes and will also email you when it’s time to change the water filter. You don’t need to necessarily have top of the line appliances, however, when selling your home it’s usually best to have appliances less than three years old. If you do buy new appliances before listing your home, make sure to let buyers know about the features of the appliances.
- Update lighting and plumbing fixtures: If you want to improve your kitchen but are on a limited budget, try swapping out old lighting and plumbing fixtures for newer modern ones. Examples may be taking out that old, fluorescent overhead light in the kitchen and putting in hanging pendant lights or recessed lighting instead or taking out old brass plumbing fixtures and putting in more updated fixtures in their place.
- Focus on cabinetry: If your cabinets are in good shape but need to be modernized, try re-staining, painting, or getting them refaced with new doors. If your cabinets are just fine but need a little something more, try changing out the hardware on them. The “less is more” style is ideal in today’s kitchens where ornamentation is kept to a minimum and style and lines are focused on instead.
- Attention grabbing finishes make a big impact: Choosing the right flooring and counter top is essential in creating a beautiful kitchen. When it comes to counter tops, solid surface choices such as granite, quartz, marble, or slate are great choices. Even composite counter tops that give the look of granite are good choices. When deciding on flooring, keep in mind that buyers like durable yet attractive materials such as wood and stone which will also be your highest return on investment. Hardwood, travertine, granite, and porcelain tile will give you a higher return than vinyl flooring.
- Make any necessary repairs: Make sure that all kitchen amenities are in working order and if not, repair them.