So now the time has come to sell your home. That means it’s also time to make some improvements and the two most complex rooms in the house to upgrade are the Kitchen and the Bathroom. Bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms are easy; new flooring and a splash of paint completes the job. Kitchens and Bathrooms, however, require design and planning and many of those selling their home find it necessary to choose one or the other. If you are part of that group, here are 4 things to keep in mind when choosing to update the kitchen or the bath first.
Which is going to offer the best first impression?
In many housing layouts, the kitchen may not be the first or second room a prospective buyer looks at. In that case, updating the bathroom will provide a better impression of the house than the kitchen. On the other hand, perhaps the kitchen is a primary focus of the house; second stop on the tour. Now the cooking area is a priority and needs to be improved. When you show your house, you want the best first impression you can give. Make sure your money and time go towards catching a buyer’s eye.
Which will be the most cost effective to upgrade?
Although it might be nice to put fancy tile in the bathroom, would that same money be better spent on replacing the worn and scratched kitchen counters? Deciding where to spend your funds is an important decision. If the tub is chipped and needs to be replaced or re-enameled, don’t worry about changing out the tile backsplash that just went in a few years ago.
Which will offer the greatest overall value?
Similar to the last question, you must evaluate which repairs will not only be cost effective, but add the most value for the money. Again, the fancy tiles are nice, but they don’t increase the selling value of the home as much as brand new countertops will. Remember that it’s all about attracting prospective buyers, not showing off your home decorating skills. If the tiles don’t boost the resale price, then spending money on them is wasting funds that could go elsewhere.
Will either repair take too long?
Maybe you’ve decided that the bathroom needs a complete remodel, but will it be done in time for closing the sale? The new owners won’t want to move into their new home only to find that their toilet is still on back order. In that case, a few small polishing touches to both might have been the way to go. Look at both rooms and decide which will be doable in the short time you may have.
Picking between the kitchen and the bathroom for repairs can cause problems. Deciding where to put your money and effort when prepping your house for sale can be a head scratcher. Prioritizing depends on cost, time, value increase, and presentation. It’s a four way scale that will determine your renovation result.
When you want a realtor who will make you their number one priority, it’s time to contact me to set up an initial consultation. Feel free to call True Performance Real Estate today and any questions you might have about selling your home!
Call: 303-317-6311