What would you think when you walked into a house with this kitchen? Is it appealing to you? What do you like/dislike about this kitchen? A friend of theirs suggested giving a "kitchen allowance" so home buyers can do updates. What do you think? Allowance or updates?
Here is more what I'm picturing for the kitchen. I wouldn't change layout but I think the cabinets need to be painted, walls need to be painted and countertop needs to be replaced.
As we all know, kitchens and master bathrooms are really important so besides the recommendations I offered for the kitchen, I also want them to focus some attention on the master bathroom. Here it is now-
The tub and the shower line the wall and since the shower has no door, it is basically a wall of fabric. My first suggestion for this bathroom is to get a new shower stall that has a door. The bathroom will seem bigger and a shower with a door is much more practical anyway. I'm thinking that once the shower is redone then the shower curtain in the tub can come down because it doesn't need to function as a tub AND a shower. Thoughts?
My second suggestion is to paint the vanity. Right now it looks old and dinged up. Aaaand, the wall color should be addressed, too, because this orangey brown isn't a color that will appeal to a broad audience of people. I'm not saying it has to be beige, but it needs to be current. Benjamin Moore Yarmouth Blue or Palladian Blue would be a lovely colors.
Here's an idea of what the vanity will look like once it's painted.
This bathroom vanity looked JUST like the one in my client's house. Here is a link to their pictures.
Sometimes rearranging furniture is enough to stage a home but sometimes there are some bigger projects that should be tackled so a home feels updated and welcoming. As a home-buyer, what do you prefer? Updated home or a redecorating allowance?
"Allowances" do not work!!! I will say it again: kitchen allowances, carpet allowances, painting allowances, decorating allowances DO NOT WORK. People want to be able to move right in without having to rent somewhere while the carpet/paint/new kitchen is being done. They may have worked 15-20 years ago, but today they mean longer time on the market, lower offers, fewer lookers. Oh, and DEFINITELY paint the cabinets :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kristie. For starters a lot of people house shop on-line now and the pictures HAVE to look good to get people to come see the house in person. If they don't, it's likely to get passed over.
DeleteWow! These are really great examples! I agree with your assessment of both rooms. The wall colors are too dark, and the cabinetry is very dated looking. The double curtain in the bathroom just looks ridiculous. While I'm not a realtor, I think the home buying market is moving away from "fixer uppers." I"m casting my vote for "UPDATE"!
ReplyDeletethanks, Beth! I appreciate your vote. :)
DeleteDefinetly update! I like all your ideas.
ReplyDeleteIf they want their asking price they have to update! Or they can drop their price and eventually someone will buy it, do the updates and flip it. This is not expensive stuff (relative to price dropping). You are right about colors. The colors are not bad colors, they are not sellable colors. It is so hard to make people belive that everyone doesn't love their taste. There are great cabinet painting kits at Lowes...super easy and look just like your idea kitchen photo. Good advice...hope they take it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on painting kits at Lowe's! Anything to make the project seem a little daunting is very helpful.
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