Good kitchens help sell property, but there are certain ways to present yours in the best possible light. Here we look at our top ten tips to do just that...
1 Good kitchens help sell property, but they have to be attractive as well as functional. A kitchen is also the most expensive and inconvenient room to refurbish, so its condition will influence the value of your property.
2 Use your eyes: does your kitchen look dated? Check out what's new in kitchen design to pick up some ideas. Handles on unit doors, for instance, are easy to change and an inexpensive way to give kitchen units a lift. Choose handles that are similar in size and shape to your existing ones so that fitting them does not leave holes or marks. Replace damaged or missing cupboard doors.
3 Remove all evidence of pets. Put bowls, beds, bones etc out of sight. Never have caged rodents, birds or other fauna in the kitchen when showing your home.
4 Kitchens should smell fresh and clean, so use your sense of smell. Even with extractor fans, kitchens can harbour odours, especially from fish, curries and other strong-smelling foods. Opt to go out or keep your cooking bland if you have visitors the next day.
Credit: Magnet
5 Baking bread and brewing fresh coffee does not enhance the saleability of property. The aroma of baking makes us feel hungry (which is why supermarkets use it to encourage us to buy food). It does not make us desire a new home. If you've made coffee you should really offer a cup to your visitors, but do you really want them hanging around for a chat? Not on a first visit certainly, so leave the coffee till they return for a second view.
6 Use your ears: do not run appliances in the kitchen when showing your property. You want to create an impression of calm, efficiency and style, not humdrum housework.
7 Does your tap drip? If so, have it fixed (or think about replacing it if the style is dated or limescale-encrusted).
8 Use your sense of touch: is your kitchen really clean? Run your fingers over the work surfaces and units to feel for stickiness or grease. Units must be spotless, inside and out.
9 Keep surfaces as clear as possible. Put anything away you do not use on a daily basis. This will also make your kitchen easier to keep clean.
10 If your kitchen is large enough to accommodate a table and seating, make sure there's one there even if you have a separate dining room; an extra eating area in the kitchen suggests value for money.
Want your fix of Phil & Kirstie? Then look no further...
.jpg)