Kitchen Remodeling When It’s Time to Sell

Kitchen Remodeling Jun 24

For those thinking about putting a home on the market, many factors must be considered. There’s timing, market condition, pricing comps nearby, and so much more. However, the key to selling a home might be the right kitchen remodeling. Royal Oak, Michigan homeowners who are looking to put their home on the market soon can sell faster and for more money if they update their kitchen the right way.

The Most Important Room in the Home

The majority of homebuyers regard the kitchen as their most important room when shopping for a new home. That insight matters because most homes listed for sale on most websites explicitly mention their kitchen as a top selling point in the description. For perspective, less than half of new buyers think the master bedroom is their top priority, and only even fewer believe that the living room is most important. That’s right – nearly twice as many people who are actively looking to buy a home prioritize the kitchen over the living room. That is reflected in real estate listings, as well. Very few tout the living room as a reason to buy. Clearly, those who aren’t focusing on kitchen design as they prepare to sell are missing out…because their competition is. In fact, homes that are described as having a “luxury kitchen” or something similar sell much faster than comparably sized homes within the same zip code.

Kitchen Remodeling for Resale: What Do Buyers Want?

Determining what buyers want can be incredibly challenging. Working with a trusted remodeling contactor can help. They can draw on immense experience, specific to the local area, and help homeowners make informed decisions about the most common kitchen features to remodel or refresh. The right contractor can help owners rate these features accurately:

• Essential – Unlikely to buy a home without this feature
• Desirable – Seriously influenced to buy if this feature is included
• Indifferent – Would not influence purchase
• Do Not Want – Not likely to buy a home with this feature

The popular kitchen design features that most strongly influence home buyers’ purchase decisions are large sinks and walk-in pantries, both rated as “essential” or “desirable” by most buyers. That’s not surprising, as post-pandemic homeowners value versatility and multi-functionality, but not far below that were quartz countertops, preferred by most buyers. In fact, of the 30 most popular features, countertops and kitchen islands (a countertop/cabinet combination) are the most popular. No other feature sees this level of demand. Speaking of cabinets, they are also popular both alone, and as part of an island. By working with a contractor, homeowners now know the “sweet spot” where they should focus their kitchen remodeling efforts to generate real interest from prospective buyers.

Counting on Countertops

There are several good reasons why quartz countertops are always so popular with new homeowners.

• It's tough – Quartz resists scratching, chipping, heat, and stains.
• It lasts – A quartz countertop will literally last a lifetime.
• It’s naturally beautiful – For all its practicality, what really sets quartz apart is its elegance.
• It’s unique – Because it is a natural product, no two quartz countertops look exactly the same. Having a quartz countertop can be likened to owning an original piece of art.

But there's also a reason why a home owner should consider quartz countertops as part of their kitchen remodeling strategy. Replacing countertops completely updates a large visual section of the kitchen without the need for time-consuming and needlessly expensive major renovations. For example, owners don't have to knock down a wall or gut their entire kitchen just to give the room fresh new appeal.

The Bottom Line about Kitchen Remodeling in Royal Oak 

Kitchen remodeling for resale is an investment that pays off in a couple of ways. First, it immediately adds value to the home, delivering an instant return on investment. Currently, it is a seller’s market, so that ROI could be even higher depending on local market conditions and the timing of the deal. Second, it invites prospective buyers to take mental ownership because they can see themselves in the freshly updated and inviting kitchen. The best course of action for homeowners considering kitchen remodeling in Royal Oak is to find a trusted partner. Look for a company with years of experience and real roots in the community. During the comparison, ask to see examples of the previous kitchen remodels the company has done, and run down the list of options in terms of upgrades. Of course, it’s also important that the partner understands the upgrade is to make the home more sellable. This should allow some flexibility and ensure that the project comes in as affordably as possible, while still giving the home a more luxurious kitchen in line with today’s home buying preferences.