10 Ways To Revamp Your Kitchen Before Selling

Are you planning to sell your home this fall and asking whether your old kitchen is going to hold back the possibility of a good price and a quick deal?

If that thought is going through your mind, then you probably know the answer already.

You're going to have to concede you must spend some money on the kitchen to maximize your home's value.

As an experienced real estate agent, I have empathy for this position. Gauging whether you'll get a return on investment for any pre-sale renovation can be hard.

In today's market, sellers need to go the extra mile to deliver a five-star presentation that will capture the imagination of prospective buyers and even attract multiple offers.

Arguably the most influential room in the home is your kitchen. This is where buyers often make that critical decision to enter a negotiation or move on.

You don't have to spend a fortune to ensure your kitchen passes muster. Below, I've dropped some cool tips for how you can get the job done on a budget.

Keep the layout – You'll save thousands of dollars by resisting the temptation to move appliances and the sink. From the start, rule out any reconfiguration.

Cabinet capers – Ready-to-assemble cabinets from a trusted retailer is the ideal budget-focused pathway. Bespoke cabinetry will send costs through the roof. With pre-fabricated cabinets, you'll usually order them online, so measure super-carefully. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you could save a five-figure sum by using standard-size, ready-to-assemble cabinetry.

Helping hand – If you're not experienced, call in a contractor to replace the cabinets. Let them check your measurements so you order with confidence. Also, a contractor will complete the job in half the time you would.

Faucet fans – Buyers love sinkware. If you are going to add a little glitz that's still within budget, then this is where to spend your money.

Countertop question – A stone countertop will add an impressive flourish, but at what cost? Installing a laminate alternative will likely save you around $5,000 and still look amazing. Don't sweat the countertop conundrum.

Appliance replacement – Try to avoid replacing your appliances. But if there's no alternative, look for retailers offering factory seconds and showroom stock. Be watchful for retailers' in-store sales, too. You could save yourself another $3000-$5000 by adopting this strategy.

Light it up – Buyers today love a combination of ambient and task lighting for work areas in the kitchen. Changing up your lighting is a worthwhile investment. Make sure it doesn't break the budget.

Open shelves – The jury is out on open shelving. Some folks love the look, while others see open shelves as a cleaning chore. Regardless, open shelving rather than a cabinet will keep down costs.

Backsplashes – There's no doubt a backsplash can set the tone for the kitchen. You don't need to splash out on glass ones, though. Look at laminate alternatives. Keep their design clean and elegant. 

Flooring options – Hardwood flooring can look a little shabby after many years. You can get them sanded down, but that's expensive. Alternative coverings to rejuvenate your flooring include vinyl, laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).