| You've heard the saying-the way to a man's | | | | years old, some easy updates will make a big |
| heart is through his stomach. Well, the way to | | | | difference. |
| your buyer's heart is through your kitchen. There | | | | First look at your walls. Do you have wallpaper or |
| is no doubt about it, kitchens sell homes. But not | | | | borders? These are just too taste specific. Many |
| just any tired, cluttered old kitchen. Buyers like | | | | buyers have walked away from a house because |
| updated, spacious, warm, spotless kitchens. | | | | they did not want to have to remove the |
| So does this mean you need to do an expensive | | | | wallpaper. Take the wallpaper down and put a |
| and complete remodel of your kitchen to get | | | | fresh coat of neutral paint on the walls. |
| your house sold? Absolutely not! Just follow these | | | | Next, look at your cabinets. Is the finish looking |
| four simple steps and your kitchen will win the | | | | worn or outdated? Consider painting them. Cream, |
| heart of your buyer in no time. | | | | black, and espresso brown are popular colors that |
| Step # 1: Straighten It Up | | | | can significantly improve the look of your kitchen. |
| Step # 2: Clean It Up | | | | If you plan to do this job yourself, do some |
| Step # 3: Freshen It Up | | | | research on how to properly prepare and paint |
| Step # 4: Warm It Up | | | | the cabinets so you get the best results. And |
| Step # 1: Straighten It Up | | | | don't forget the jewelry for your cabinets; |
| The very first step you need to take when | | | | updated knobs in silver, bronze, or black can |
| staging your kitchen is to declutter and get | | | | quickly and inexpensively transform the look of |
| organized. Go through your entire kitchen and get | | | | your kitchen. |
| rid of anything you no longer use-the old toaster | | | | How's the lighting in your kitchen? Those |
| oven, mismatched storage containers, outdated | | | | builder-grade or outdated fixtures need to go. |
| spices, etc. Organize and file or throw away all the | | | | Updating your lighting is a quick and inexpensive |
| papers and other items that have accumulated | | | | way to make your kitchen look more current. |
| over the years. Look through your pantry and | | | | Wish you had under cabinet lighting for your |
| donate or throw away the food items you are | | | | counters? Try these easy fixes. Use a small |
| never going to use and organize what is left. Take | | | | decorative lamp on the counter (be sure to |
| all the magnets and papers off of your fridge. | | | | conceal the cord) or add an up-light in the back |
| At this point, every area of your kitchen should | | | | corner with a decorative plate on a stand in front |
| be neatly organized and your countertops should | | | | of it. |
| be completely cleared. (Ok, you can keep out the | | | | Step # 4: Warm It Up |
| coffee pot, but have a spot ready under the | | | | At this point you may be noticing that even |
| counter to put it away for photos and showings.) | | | | though your kitchen is spotless and updated, it is |
| Step # 2: Clean It Up | | | | looking a little barren and cold. Now it is time to |
| Kitchens do sell houses-but only if they are | | | | add the finishing touches that will really help your |
| spotlessly clean! Start at the ceiling and work your | | | | buyers emotionally connect with your kitchen. A |
| way down, cleaning every surface in your kitchen. | | | | vase of fresh flowers on the table, a pretty bowl |
| Ceiling, light fixtures, walls, blinds and window | | | | with green apples or lemons on the island, and |
| treatments, windows and window sills, cabinets | | | | perhaps a nice plant on the counter are all perfect |
| and drawers (inside and out), pantry, countertops, | | | | touches that warm up the space. Pull out your |
| sink, faucet, appliances (inside and out), floor | | | | prettiest cookbook and have it open on a stand |
| boards, floors. A soft electric toothbrush,lots of | | | | sitting on the counter near the stove. These few |
| microfiber towels, and a bit of elbow grease will | | | | simple touches will help your kitchen tell your |
| be your best tools for getting this job done right. | | | | buyer that it will be the perfect spot for their |
| Pour some baking soda down the drain and run | | | | family to build memories together. |
| the garbage disposal to get rid of any odors. | | | | Stage Your Kitchen And Sell Your House |
| Once your house is on the market, avoid cooking | | | | A well-staged kitchen will lead to happy buyers |
| foods with strong, lingering odors. After you've | | | | bringing good offers. So get cooking on these |
| completed this deep cleaning, quick daily touch ups | | | | simple and affordable steps to staging your |
| will keep your kitchen white glove clean and ready | | | | kitchen. Straighten It Up, Clean It Up, Freshen It |
| to impress your buyers at a moment's notice. | | | | Up, and Warm It Up-and your kitchen will win the |
| Step # 3: Freshen It Up | | | | hearts of your buyers like a plate of fresh baked |
| Would your kitchen benefit from a | | | | cookies on a winter afternoon. Irresistible! |
| mini-makeover? If it is more than just a few | | | | |