Kitchen Appeal
Cleanliness is Everything
For most buyers, the kitchen is one of the key rooms. Keep it clean and sparkling.
Clear the Counters
Clear counters make the room appear larger and easier to work in. Put seldom-used appliances under the counter, in moving boxes, or sell them at a garage sale.
The Stove and Oven
Clean the burners and the oven. Clean the ventilation hood with a good grease cutter and replace the filter. If any burner trays are damaged, they are cheap and easy to replace.
The Fridge
De-personalize the refridgerator door by removing all of the magnets, pictures, and notes. While most buyers won't open the fridge door, a box of baking soda in the fridge will freshen any odors.
Sinks
To really whiten a porcelain sink, spread paper towels in the bottom and saturate with bleach for an hour or so. Remove water spots from a stainless steel sink with rubbing alcohol, club soda, or vinegar on a sponge. Fix any leaking faucets.
Floors
Repair or replace damaged linoleum, tile, or grout. Check with your insurance carrier as floor damage might be covered under your homeowener's policy.
Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets often reveal a kitchen's age and affect the buyer's perception. Try cleaning them with an all purpose cleaner to take off grease and dirt. If necessary, re-paint them with a high-gloss enamel. For a modern, new look, try new knobs.
The Pantry
Buyers want to see lots of storage in a kitchen. Go through your pantry to see what you can dispose of and neatly organize the rest of it. There are many closet and cabinet organizing systems available at discount stores.
Lighten Up
If your kitchen is dark and dreary, a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling will make a dramatic difference. Stay with bright, neutral colors, such as white, beige, or light grey. Replace any burned out bulbs and, if necessary, replace the curtains.
Doors and Drawers
Adjust and lubricate all door hinges and drawer guides. Remove as much of the unused items as you can at a yard sale or store in moving boxes.