How to Stage Your Kitchen to Help Sell Your Home

Remove clutter from countertops before you show your house.

When you're selling a home, make it shine from top to bottom. The condition of the kitchen, in particular, can make or break a deal on your home. Buyers are attracted to kitchens that look large, clean, uncluttered and inviting. Do your best to convey these qualities for a quick house sale.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take a good look at the counters. Update them by installing granite countertops, if your budget allows.
   If granite is out of your price range, paint your existing counter for an affordable and instant facelift.

2. Apply a fresh coat of paint to the cupboards. Choose neutral colors, such as white, cream or black. Make sure to prep your cupboards properly before painting.

3. Add new hardware to your cabinetry or paint existing drawer pulls and handles for a quick update.

4. Deep clean all surfaces, from the top of the cupboards to the baseboards. Clean the inside of the oven and behind the refrigerator. Pour some baking soda in the garbage disposal and let it sit to kill any odors. Sprinkle some in your garbage can, which should be concealed during showings. outdoors when your home is being shown. Ensure that lighting fixtures are dust- and bug-free. Give your ceiling fan blades a good cleaning, too.

5. Clear the clutter to show off maximum counter space. Move all appliances, such as the coffeemaker and toaster, to concealed cupboards. Use cleaning products to shine your countertops. Remove boxes from the top and magnets from the front of the refrigerator. Put away dish drainers, cleaning supplies and knives.

6. Make sure that the table and chairs are clean. If you have leaves in your table, remove them to make the kitchen feel as large as possible. Add a vase of fresh flowers to the table to create a warm and inviting space for potential buyers.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep fresh flowers longer by snipping the ends daily and adding an aspirin to the water.

• Store extra pots, pans and other items in storage while your home is on the market.

• If you have to show your home on short notice, hide everything in the oven and dishwasher.

References

• HGTV: Five Steps to a Kitchen Facelift
• Bankrate: Setting the stage for a sale