Generally, remodeling before putting up your house for sale is the wrong thing to do. Rarely do sellers get back what they put into the remodel, and this does not even take into consideration the stress and time it takes to remodel a kitchen.

Why Renovate to Sell?

If you have to sell, remodeling a kitchen may be the key to making a quick sale for a fair price. This is about the only reason to renovate before a sale. If your kitchen is outdated and looks like it may fall apart any minute, remodeling it may be the only thing that will get you what you want for your home.

Price Matters When Remodeling Before a Sale

Whatever renovations you do before putting up your house for sale, the price for any home remodeling project should be the main factor you consider. Although kitchen remodels will get you the most return for your money, and a good kitchen design may sell your house, you are unlikely to make any money when you remodel a kitchen prior to a sale.

For this reason, it is important to use techniques that will get you the most bang for your buck:

• When you remodel a kitchen, don’t put in more money than you think you can get out of it.
• Limit costs. For example, if you can refurbish a floor rather than replace it, do the former.
• Appearance is more important than functionality during a sale, so paint or new flooring will impress more than new water heaters.
• When you paint the kitchen of a house for sale, keep to neutral tones.
• Don’t show a house that looks unfinished.

Appearance is the key to selling a home quickly and for the right price. Buyers notice kitchen counters and cabinets, and will take note if these items are not “up to snuff.” Replacing light fixtures, refinishing cabinets, or even just replacing the kitchen sink–something any competent “DIY-er” can do–may be the very thing that will sell your house.

Staging a Home

Staging a home is all about making your home appeal to the widest number of potential buyers. It is more about illusion than substance—but staging your kitchen, as opposed to remodeling before a sale, may help you sell your home quickly.  Some tips include:

• Use mirrors, plants, flowers, and baskets to decorate the kitchen.
• Rid your kitchen of clutter.
• Use orange oil on dry cabinets to help renew their luster.
• Display colorful knickknacks or cook books to draw attention to certain areas of your kitchen.
• Place large bowls of fruit on the kitchen counter.
• Professionally clean your home, and especially the kitchen, before allowing buyers through.