Updating your Kitchen? Need help with what to do?
I recently picked up Consumer Reports Kitchen Planning & Buying Guide 2010 that really gives a good
broad range of suggestions and things not to miss.
Lately with the down market I've been seeing many homeowners installing lots of upgrades that they won't be getting their money out of. Granite counters are the most popular and best example. If you live in a small home, quad or average townhome - let's face it you've been sold a bill of goods by Home Depot and Lowes. Every consumer forgets they are in the business of selling building materials and home improvements NOT real estate.
This guide will give you examples of how much things cost so you can plan and total your entire project and see if you will be getting any return. 'Return' might not mean dollars per se but just the fact that your home will sell in this competitive marketplace.
If you were a realistic buyer their #1 choice would be the house with the least amount of remodeling work for the price. Let me tell you a little secret, if you don't want to change your countertops from that old and crusty harvest gold from the 70's, no buyer is going to either. Stop thinking that the buyer can do it like 'they like it'. Another hallucination on your part. They will walk and purchase a home that will have the least amount of work to do.
So, back to the guide. It will give you lots of tips on the newest trends and how much they will cost. Appliances were also in here and tested with ratings. So less gas and hassles because you can shop and dream prior to going to the store for purchases.
But Lyn, I'm on a R - E - A - L tight budget, what can I do?
Here's a couple of great places that I've found: Hobo's - variety of things from flooring, furniture, lighting and REAL cheap granite or marble vanity tops for remodeling your bathroom. It's a hit or miss situation there and turnover is pretty fast. You will need to have a handyman or installer in mind if you can't do it yourself. If you can - cha ching for your wallet!
Sears Outlet in Elgin on Golf Rd. - all kinds of great appliances, not only Kenmore brands, are there. Some 'bruised' that are priced to move out of the store! If a refrigerator has a small ding on the left side and that is the side in your kitchen facing the wall which no one will see - cha ching again for your wallet!
Small changes can make a big difference! So get the Consumers Reports Guide (on sale til June 15th, 2010) and start your plans.
Not sure what would be the best things to do for your future move? Give me a call so I can counsel you on what updates would get your home sold in this market!
© 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims
