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5 Strategies to Market a House with a Dated Kitchen

Remodeled kitchens help sell houses faster and for higher prices, but what can be done when the kitchen, the heart of the house, shows its age?

© Willie B. Thomas / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Key Takeaways:

To compensate for a dated kitchen, there are different strategies you can take:

• Adjust the price downward to reflect work that needs to be undertaken
• Have sellers make cosmetic changes to help it look fresher 
• Compete with up-to-date kitchens by helping buyers envision a major overhaul

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Updated, functional kitchens that mirror the best on reality TV shows and hip Instagram posts help listings sell. They’re also among the top interior projects to recover cost at resale, according to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of REALTORS®. (Download the full reportpdf; a new version is expected next year.)

With competition for listings coming from new construction in many areas, sellers who don’t heed this lesson run the risk of seeing their listing sidelined, says Compass salesperson Jessica Licona. principal and founder of the Licona Team in Austin, Texas.

It’s easy to see why buyers favor houses with spiffy kitchens. Some dread taking on work because of the difficulty of hiring vendors. Increasing costs and possible overruns are another factor as averages climb to almost $80,000 for a mid-range remodel and $159,000 for a high-end change, according to Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value report. Chicago-based broker Jennifer Ames, Engel & Volkers, has heard another reason: “Many buyers realized after [COVID-19] that their time is finite, and they don’t want to waste it doing big projects,” she says.

Is the absence of a smashing kitchen a death knell for a sale? No, but your sellers need a smart marketing strategy to compensate. Each of these strategies offers risks and rewards that depend in part on a home’s price point, the sellers’ budget and their interest in making changes. Help your clients decide which is most palatable to close a transaction at the highest price and in the shortest number of days on market.

1. Adjust the price downward.

A lower price will make the sellers’ home more attractive compared to other homes that also aren’t fully updated. Buyers get the benefit of paying less, and then, when they have the funds, they can undertake a kitchen overhaul that reflects their taste. Broker Claire Higgins with Engel & Volkers’ Vero Beach, Fla., office has found that buyers who are most willing now to tackle work are those in their late 20s and early 30s. Many feel lucky to own a home, given still high sales prices, but may be cash strapped to hire help.

Risk. The price may be lowered but still may not be low enough to entice buyers, given concerns about escalating kitchen remodeling costs and anecdotal tales about time overruns and hassles.

Reward. Going lower offers sellers the possibility of a quicker sale and less need to invest more in a home they plan to leave.

2. Provide a floor plan to help buyers visualize changes.

A floor plan gives buyers a realistic vision of how the kitchen could look with updates. Ames says upper-bracket sellers might hire a kitchen designer or architect to measure and draw a new layout, suggest materials and equipment and estimate costs.

Risk. Plans may run several thousand dollars based on design complexity, and some buyers may feel overwhelmed by what’s suggested, spurring them to find a home with a remodeled kitchen.

Reward. Seeing a blueprint helps buyers think outside the box and imagine the kitchen transformed, from lemons to lemonade.

3. Consider the power of staging.

A professional with a keen eye can do wonders, removing furnishings and objects that are too personal, create clutter or make the whole house feel old and tired. Stagers typically try to neutralize rooms, to “remove or camouflage what’s dated and make the best of what sellers have,” says salesperson Jac Smith with Jac Smith Group, Keller Williams Realty St. Petersburg, Fla.

Timing is critical: Staging should be done before a house is photographed. “The first open house is what’s seen online so it should look as perfect as possible when it goes live,” Higgins says.

Who pays varies: Whether it’s the listing agent or the seller, staging is done with the hope the property will be sold for a better price and faster. Many buyers’ agents say staging does have an impact on price. According to National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Staging.

• 20% of buyers’ agents put the price increase at 1%–5%
• 14% put it at 6%–10%
• 8% said staging increased the price by 11% or more

In the survey, 34% of buyers’ agents said staging has no impact on price, and 23% said they weren’t sure. (Download the full reportpdf.)

Risk. Staged rooms may become too bland if all color and personalization is removed. It resembles a stage set minus people.

Reward. With colorful flowers, plump cushions, cozy runners, appealing scents, the rooms and house may appeal so much that buyers end up wanting not just the house but the contents.

4. Make cosmetic changes that remove eyesores.

Sellers may not have the dollars needed to remodel a kitchen, but they may be able to afford small changes, says broker Tia Hunnicutt, ABR, SRES, of San Francisco Bay–area Proxima Realty. Tweaks can help transform a space visually and functionally, especially for buyers who aren’t looking at homes at the high end.

It’s key to know what buyers find most appealing in their price range, says Boston North Shore broker Jean-Marie Minton, SRES, Minton Regan Homes with Keller Williams. Ames says sellers can never go wrong with an all-white kitchen. Lighter painted or wood cabinetry trumps dark wood, agrees broker Stafford Manion of St. Louis-based Gladys Manion Real Estate.

Other quick, affordable fixes are newer pulls and handles that turn easily, at least one new appliance with stainless-steel front, new backsplashes or countertops, and coordinated finishes for hardware, lighting and appliances.

The easiest fix is a professional deep cleaning, says Hunnicutt. “Nobody wants to move into someone else’s mess,” she says.

How much to spend should reflect the price of the home and others in the neighborhood, Ames says. “For a $300,000 condo, I would recommend spending $15,000 or 5%,” she says. Another reason to do some work is that many buyers overestimate the cost, she says. “For every project that might cost $1,000, buyers may deduct upwards of $4,000 from their offer price.” 

Risk. Today’s buyers are savvy and know certain tweaks make a room look better but won’t overcome all problems. A new counter won’t compensate for the absence of an island. Some changes may even create new problems. Replacing cabinets may damage flooring; same goes for switching out a counter, which may require a new sink, Ames says. And tweaks won’t overcome an awkward layout, she says.

Reward. Freshly painted walls and new lighting won’t make up for dated appliances but will send a message that the sellers are putting their best foot forward.

5. Go for gold with a full remodel.

This approach works best with higher-end homes since it requires bigger bucks and attention to what’s trending. In Hunnicutt’s area, buyers typically expect fully tiled walls, marble countertops or some comparable material and top appliances. Higgins adds the importance of top cabinetry in a lighter tone and a lighter or white paint palette. In her upscale Austin market, Licona sees more customized kitchens with coffee bars, great hoods, interesting wallpaper in cupboards and on ceilings, undermounted lights in cabinetry and vintage detailing. Expensive transformations take two or more months, depending on the availability of materials and labor and complexity of the job, so planning is critical.

Risk. Anyone who’s undertaken a remodeling project, watched movies such as “The Money Pit” or listened to friends’ stories knows the pitfalls well. Also tastes change and what sellers choose today may not appeal to buyers tomorrow.

Reward. A new, gleaming kitchen that checks homeowners’ most frequent wants—even if not all—will raise the joy factor by giving them a great space for bringing family and friends together.

8 Entryway Must-Haves You Should Always Include in Your Home, Designers Say

It’s officially peak guest season and if you’re like us, you’d want your entryway to look swoon-worthy from the minute guests step in.  Whatever the occasion may be—whether a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or a book club gathering—nothing beats a well-designed entrance that leaves a lasting impression.   If you’ve been itching to update your entryway but aren’t sure where to start, here are eight staples that make an entryway according to the pros. 

6 Important Things You Should Never Store in Your Attic, According to Experts

If your attic has been the main source of storage for all your home items, it may be time to go through it all to sort out what needs to be thrown out or stored elsewhere.Due to seasonal temperatures and unwanted pests, it’s crucial to keep any important items out of your attic. Find out what six items home experts say you should never store in your attic.

Electronics

If you live in a hotter area, rising temperatures can damage your electronics by melting some of the plastic parts. Go through your old devices to see which ones are worth keeping and throwing out.  If you are holding on to an old VCR and home videos for future viewing, it’s best to come up with another preservation plan. Lisa Dooley, a professional organizer and the owner of Your Organized Life, says the time to act is now. “These tapes were intended to have a life span of 10 years, and I’ve seen some from the early 1980s,” she says. “If possible, these should be digitized ASAP.”

Food

In addition to the extreme heat in summer, an attic will endure very cold temperatures during winter in northern areas. These fluctuations can easily cause the degradation of any food, even if it’s sealed up like canned vegetables or like your favorite bottle of wine.  “Generally speaking, edibles of any kind should not be kept in your attic,” says Lauren Saltman, a professional organizer and the owner of Living. Simplified. “They will likely attract pests even if it’s stored in sealed plastic containers. And out-of-sight really is out-of-mind. Will you remember what food items are stored in your attic? Probably not.”

Chemicals

When you run out of space for your cleaning supplies, pool cleaner, or other chemical that you don’t use often, your attic can seem like a good place to get it all out of your way until the next cleaning. The heat can not only change the composition of some cleaners, but it can cause the containers to leak down into your ceiling or even explode if they are in an aerosol can.  Storing such supplies near the areas they are used, in a climate-controlled space, is a safe bet and certainly more convenient.

Photos

It may be easy to stick some photos into an album and store them in the attic, but they may not stay in good condition over time. Due to moisture and fluctuating temperatures, your precious photos will yellow as the years pass by or worse.  “The sticky glue and the plastic page ‘protectors’ are actually highly acidic, slowly destroying the photos,’” Dooley says. “Remove them from the attic—and the albums—and store them in a cool, dry place like a closet or even under a bed.”

Wooden Decor

It can be difficult to let go of photo frames, signs, or shelving that no longer fit your style, especially when paid good money to outfit your home. However, storing a stack of unused wooden frames may bring unintended visitors to your space since insects and pests love to chew on wood.  Wood stored in the attic also reacts to the weather. If it rains a lot in your area, the humidity will cause expansion, rot, and possibly mold.2 Extreme heat dries things out and creates cracks even if the wood has been treated.  Also, consider donating any intact frames. What no longer suits your taste might be perfect for someone else.  “There is no need to store items you don’t actually want to keep,” Saltman says. 

Fabrics

It is understandable that people want to save special furnishings or clothing that reminds them of a special event in their family’s lives. Just like wood, any fabric that is a natural fabric will be subject to the weather and little critters. Even created fabrics are likely to get chewed up by pests. This can be anything from clothing and mattresses to much-loved stuffed animals and rugs. They are all at risk in the attic.  Saltman says being deliberate about what we store in the home leaves space for the keepsakes we truly cherish. Have any meaningful pieces of clothing professionally cleaned and then stored inside your home, she says.  There are still plenty of things you can safely store in your attic, Saltman says: Dishware, pots and pans, holiday decorations, suitcases, outdoor furniture, and items you’ll be using in the next few weeks will be okay

“Use your own common sense about what can be safely stored in your attic, and you’ll be well on your way to protecting the items and keeping them for future generations,” Saltman says.

By JODI GONZALEZ

10 Things You Should Clean Every Fall—From Closets to Gutters

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While spring has a reputation for being the ultimate time to deep clean your home, each season has its own specific must-dos when it comes to caring for your space. When the summer heat breaks and fall is on the horizon, it’s time to prepare the interior and exterior of your home for fallen foliage, colder weather, and even snow. To ensure you stay on top of autumn’s most important maintenance tasks, we’re sharing our expert-approved fall cleaning checklist.

Your Complete Home Cleaning Schedule: What to Clean Weekly, Monthly, and Seasonally

Patios, Driveways, and Walkways

During summer, hardscapes can build up with excess debris, thanks to increased time spent outdoors grilling, gardening, and beyond. Restore your front and back patio, driveway, and walkways to their former glory before snowy winter weather arrives power washing these areas to remove dirt.

Windows

Windows should be cleaned in spring and fall to prevent dust, pollen, and more grime from building up on the glass and screens. “Dust and grime accumulate daily and it’s worth staying on top of the build-up as it can degrade the window glass if it is left for an extended period of time,” says Cohoon. Additionally, clean windows allow more light in, making them more energy efficient. 

Gutters

You should clean your gutters twice a year—once in spring and again in fall. “It’s super important that you prioritize cleaning your gutters in the fall,” says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. “Throughout these months, the leaves and twigs are falling off the trees and accumulate in your gutters. Cleaning them can prevent clogging and ensures that rainwater and melted snow can run freely.” If you skip this task, the built-up debris and water can freeze as temperatures drop, and melted snow can seep through your roof and cause water damage.  

How to Clean Your Gutters the Right Way, According to Pros

HVAC Filters

Cleaning your HVAC filters during spring is a must. “You want to ensure clean air is circulating in your home, so at the very least, you should clean or change your air filters every three months,” says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. “Check them every month to determine if they need to be replaced. If the filter is completely covered in dust and or debris, it’s time to change them.” Your system works harder when the filters are dirty, so not cleaning them can can lead to higher energy bills, as well as compromised health.

Outdoor Furniture

During summer months, outdoor furniture can build up with debris, stains, and even mildew due to frequent use and exposure to the elements. “To increase the lifespan of outdoor furniture, it should be cleaned in the fall,” says Cohoon. “Also, depending on the furniture, it will likely need to be stored for the winter, so giving these pieces a deep clean before putting them away for two seasons will save you time in the spring.”  

Chimney

Cleaning your chimney before peak heating season is important for safety reasons. Creosote, a byproduct that comes from burning wood, can build up in your chimney where it stays until it’s removed. Servicing your chimney before fall decreases the chance of a chimney fire, says Cohoon. “Cleaning your chimney can also save you money,” she says. “When the chimney is clean, it allows for a more efficient combustion and the airflow is better.”

Closets

If you don’t have room for multiple seasons of clothing in your closet, fall is a great time to downsize. “Maximize your space by getting rid of or donating clothes that you haven’t worn in a long time,” says Cohoon. “When you have room to hang clothes in your closet, you won’t have any reason to pile your clothes in visible areas of your bedroom.” If you have clothes in your closet you don’t have room for, but don’t want to part with, consider storing them in the basement or elsewhere until next season.

Outdoor Cleanup

Your yard will also need some attention come fall. Remove any weeds and trim back overgrown trees and shrubs, says Cohoon. Additionally, you should ensure your yard is ready for fall and winter weather by aerating your lawn, filling in dead patches of grass, mulching garden beds, and fertilizing your plants. All of these tasks will make maintenance easier come spring.

Dust

While dusting is something you should do regularly throughout the year, fall is a great time to dedicate the day to dusting your entire home. “When temperatures drop, you’ll likely find yourself spending more time indoors, so it’s important you take the time to clean off surfaces that accumulate dust,” says Cohoon. “This will improve indoor air quality and decrease indoor allergens.”

Light Fixtures

Lighting is essential in any home, but it’s especially relied on during colder months when the days are shorter. “Take the time to dust all light fixtures and replace bulbs as needed,” says Cohoon.  

6 Halloween Decor Trends That Will Be Huge in 2024

By Sophie Flaxman

This year’s spooky season is all about merging the macabre with the sophisticated.  As the nights grow longer and the crispness of autumn fills the air, the moment has come to transform your sunny summer retreat into a spine-chilling spectacle filled with eerie delights. But this season, don’t limit your Halloween decor to carved pumpkins and the classic black and orange color scheme. “I particularly love this time of year as it allows us to showcase our creativity with deep, rich colors, chilling decorations, and carved pumpkins,” says Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert. “This year, however, it seems some new trends are emerging.”

Whether you’re aiming for a haunted house ambiance or prefer a more refined approach, this year’s Halloween decor trends embrace a balance between tradition and innovation, inviting you to create a space that’s as captivating as it is spooky.

Impress with Gothic Glamor 

 If you’re looking to make Halloween feel a little more glam, look no further than gothic glamor. This style fuses the mystery and drama of Gothic architecture with the luxury and elegance of Victorian-era opulence, enabling you to balance eerie elements with high-end sophistication. “It’s a celebration of the macabre with an elegant twist,” says Johnson, who explains that a dark jewel color palette and rich texture are central to the gothic glamor trend. Think rich purple, ruby red, velvety black, and midnight blue in sumptuous velvet and silk draped across windows or embellishing your living room and table settings.

You’re halfway there if you already own Gothic or Victorian-style antique furniture. Accessorize with antique picture frames, dark glassware, gold or silver accents, and macabre motifs, such as skulls, black roses, and gothic-inspired art. Set the mood with flickering candles that cast animated shadows and a hauntingly beautiful glow.

 Play Up the Nostalgia Factor 

According to Johnson, this year is all about celebrating the history and traditions of Halloween from 1920 to 1960. This trend is perfect for those looking to evoke the spirit of Halloween’s past with elegance and a hint of mystery. “Think childhood nostalgia with caramel apple-scented candles, vintage decorations, and classic ghost motifs,” she says. Introduce old-school Halloween motifs around the house—witches, black cats, and jack-o’-lanterns—on die-cut decor, banners, and posters. Bring an authentic, eerie look with antiquities, such as weathered lanterns, wrought iron candelabras, aged books, and old-fashioned apothecary jars filled with creepy crawlies and witches potions. Handmade elements, such as carved wooden pumpkins and homemade garlands, echo the simplicity and craftsmanship of earlier times and expose a cozy and rustic side of Halloween.

Harvest Your Halloween Decor

Harvest Halloween decor from your back garden or local garden center. “Dark, moody florals paired with bare, eerie-shaped branches add a haunting beauty to planters,” says Amy Courtney, interior designer and founder of Amy Courtney Design. “Go for something like a smoke bush and big imposing planters to create a dark, dramatic feel.” Instead of lining your porch with the predictable yet iconic symbol of Halloween—the orange pumpkin—Courtney suggests decorating with gourds in shades of cream, sage, deep greens, and soft browns for an understated yet festive look.

Embrace Witchcraft-Inspired Elements 

“Witchy and celestial aesthetics are really in for 2024,” Courtney says. “I loved hanging hats last year, and now they’re back, but with an elevated upgrade.” She particularly loves the woven black vine iteration by Terrain by Anthropologie, which has elevated the trend. “Hang them from your porch ceiling and pair them with a broomstick and green pumpkins, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a magical Halloween setup.” Alternatively, drape 3-D bats across the front door to create a playful, spooky effect that sets the tone for the haunted house beyond.

Frighten with Fantastical Features 

Escape reality by bringing your favorite fantastical scenes and characters to life this Halloween. The fantastical style is especially appealing in 2024 as it reflects a broader cultural shift towards nostalgia and fantasy, tapping into a collective yearning for adventure, mystery, and a curiosity for the unknown. To conjure an other-worldy atmosphere, Johnson suggests drawing on elements like ancient woodlands, fairy circles, and epic quests. Think deep green foliage, climbing ivy, and earthy textures that bring the enchanted woodlands indoors. Hint at a magical world with toadstools, mushrooms, twinkling fairy dust and lights, and figurines of mythical creatures. If one thing’s for sure, reality and fantasy collide with this trend, providing an immersive experience that captures the imagination and brings a touch of magic to Halloween decor.

Display a Halloween Village 

Halloween villages are flying off the shelves this season, becoming the latest must-have piece of Halloween decor. The miniature-themed displays feature intricately designed haunted houses, graveyards, and spooky figurines, making the perfect feature for a mantel or window sill for passers-by to admire. “Create a glowing Halloween village scene, but make it extra spooky,” says Courtney, who suggests adding moss, backlighting, or even a smoke machine to heighten the creep factor and truly bring the scene to life.

Taming the Chaos: Organizing Your Home with the 1-3-5 Rule

Feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in your home? The 1-3-5 rule can be a game-changer when it comes to tackling those organizational challenges. This simple yet effective method breaks down your daily tasks into manageable chunks,making it easier to stay focused and motivated.

What is the 1-3-5 Rule?

The 1-3-5 rule is a productivity technique that suggests dividing your daily tasks into three categories:

• 1 Large Task: This is the most significant or challenging task that requires your full attention.
• 3 Medium Tasks: These are important but less demanding tasks that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.
• 5 Small Tasks: These are quick and easy tasks that can be checked off your list with minimal effort.

How to Apply the 1-3-5 Rule to Home Organization

1. Assess Your Space: Start by identifying the areas of your home that need the most attention. This could be the clutter on your countertops, the overflowing closet, or the messy garage.
2. Set Your Goals: Decide what you want to achieve for the day. This could be decluttering a specific room,organizing a particular area, or completing a deep clean.
3. Prioritize Your Tasks: Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if your goal is to declutter the bedroom, your large task might be to sort through your clothes, while your medium tasks could be to clean out your dresser drawers and organize your bedside table.
4. Complete Your Tasks: Start with your large task and work your way down to the smaller ones. Remember, the goal is not to be perfect but to make progress.

Examples of 1-3-5 Tasks for Home Organization

• Large Task: Declutter the closet
• Medium Tasks: Donate unwanted items, organize by color, and purchase new hangers
• Small Tasks: Put away clean clothes, vacuum the floor, and dust the shelves

Benefits of Using the 1-3-5 Rule for Home Organization

• Increased Productivity: By breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, you’ll feel more motivated to complete them.
• Reduced Stress: Seeing progress can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress.
• Improved Focus: The 1-3-5 rule helps you stay focused on one task at a time, preventing distractions.
• A More Organized Home: Over time, consistent application of the 1-3-5 rule can lead to a more organized and clutter-free living space.

Remember: The 1-3-5 rule is a flexible tool. You can adjust it to fit your specific needs and schedule. The most important thing is to find a system that works for you and helps you achieve your home organization goals.