There is no doubt about it, the kitchen is the most important room in the house in a buyer’s eyes. It is the heart of the home and where most families spend most of their time.
Given that, the kitchen will be scrutinized the most by a buyer. If they need to do a lot of updating to your kitchen they are probably going to walk away and make an offer on another house.
Most buyers are looking for solid surfaces (quart/granite) and stainless steel appliances. It doesn’t matter if you like stainless, it matters that most buyers do. And I will mention that this isn’t just for high end homes, buyers are expecting to see these things in even lower median priced homes.
Although you do not want to totally gut your kitchen when selling, there may be some updates you need to do. I am a firm believer that as long as you don’t go overboard, you will get most of your money back on kitchen updates and your home will definitely sell quicker.
If you have custom cherry wood cabinets but a buyer wants white they will look at another home and that’s okay. But truly outdated needs to be addressed.
Oak is the least wanted wood by buyers right now in kitchen cabinets. Will it come back in style? Maybe but I think it will be awhile. If you are going to live in you home at least 2-3 years and you are sick of the oak, please update your kitchen now to enjoy it and make it easier to sell in a couple years.
If you are selling, sit back and take a look at your kitchen with a critical eye and see if you would want to buy it. Bring in an experienced Realtor and a trained and certified Home Stager to assist you with this important decision.