It’s not a myth that specific rooms do sell a home. The top two are the kitchen and the bathroom.  Every homebuyer will have certain criteria which needs met and will have a more critical eye regarding the condition and features of these two rooms than any other rooms.

If you have limited resources available for improvements it’s wise to review the condition for each of these key rooms first. Consult your REALTOR® to assure each of these rooms are in tip-top shape before making other property enhancements.

Why the Kitchen

Few would disagree the kitchen, for many households, is the heart of the home. From serious morning meetings and getting everyone out the door at the crack of dawn to coming back together again at dinner and recounting what happened during your day, the kitchen is often where we gather.  Food preparation, dining, and conversations in the kitchen are fellowship rituals which naturally bring people together.

The cooks in the family want space, the latest gadgets, and enough natural light to make the room feel big and airy. They need a place for cooking, cleaning, and storage. This is one of the heaviest used rooms in a home and it needs to withstand this usage.

If you’re current older kitchen is showing its age and seems to have become lackluster do something about it. Give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Brighten the cabinetry with new knobs, draw pulls, and hinges. Change up the faucet or add a pot sprayer attachment. Declutter the cabinets and countertops to show off how much storage is available. Go through the pantry to empty some shelves so prospective buyers will see the space is ample enough for their needs.

If the larger appliances are past their prime consider replacing them. If you’re not sure what today’s buyers are seeking ask your real estate professional what is trending on buyer’s most asked for lists. Your professional can assist with guiding you toward most requested finishes and features. Not every home must have granite counters nor stainless steel appliances to catch a buyer’s attention.

Then, do a bit of home staging with a vase of fresh flowers on the kitchen island and your favorite cookbook within reach. These simple pieces serve as reminders of delicious meals and gatherings taking place here.

Having a Master Bath

The bathroom is another personal space used by everyone, every day for basic hygiene, bathing, and beautifying. Homes with a master bath are much desired. Homes with at least two full bathrooms or one full and one half-bath have become the standard many buyers are searching for to serve the needs of a family plus hosting houseguests.

Regardless of the number of bathrooms, any bath should be clean, updated, and if it has a spa-like feel it scores higher in grabbing a buyer’s attention. After a long day laboring at work or doing yard chores the thought of soaking in the tub or under a larger showerhead is exactly what is needed to wash away the day’s stresses.

If your current bathroom has a small sink and tiny countertop or unsightly grout consider making some changes. Double sinks and roomy countertops allow two people to get ready without being in each other’s way.

Stow away any countertop clutter to bins inside the cabinets or drawers. Remove bathroom reading magazines and any toilets for toddlers or seniors before a showing. You want to show how much space is available.

Stage the room with matching towels, shower curtain, and bath accessories such as a soap dispenser instead of a half-used bar of soap. You will find having your bathroom show-ready is easier to maintain.

When you need to choose one or two rooms for improvements sellers can’t go wrong with giving the kitchen and bath some attention. Once these two rooms are looking their best you can move on to other rooms in your home with confidence. Have questions or simply need a hand getting started? Reach out to Hillary Gaynor today.

Hillary Gaynor has real estate listings spanning the New Hampshire seacoast and Southern Maine area. The Bean Group has listings in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Hillary is happy to refer anyone outside her area to a trusted agent in her extensive network. Helping you find a good neighborhood is what we do. We pride ourselves in knowing the communities and guiding buyers towards their future homes. Schedule an appointment to get started.