Because of this, it needs to be spotless, bright, and welcoming. Buyers should feel like everything, from the floor to appliances, are clean enough to eat off.

Major kitchen remodels aren’t ideal when selling, but upgrading outdated, inefficient appliances can make a big difference. It’s a simple way to modernize the space and add appeal – “new appliance” looks great on a listing.

Ensure your garbage disposal works properly, or have it repaired or installed if you don’t have one. Many cooks consider it an essential kitchen feature.

Inspect your sink, pipes, and faucets for leaks. Replace any chipped porcelain or rusty sinks. If faucets leak, swap them out for an affordable, simple design. For major plumbing issues, hire a professional.

Sellers should “lighten up” their kitchens to attract buyers. Start by scrubbing walls or applying a fresh coat of light-coloured paint.

Neutral tones like beige or white make the space appear larger. Consider painting dark or outdated cabinets as well.

Maximize brightness with natural sunlight and effective lighting. Clean windows and keep curtains open. Install lights above counters, prep areas, and the stove. Replace bulbs as needed. Clean light fixtures, shades, and chandeliers to let maximum light shine through.

Opt for small updates instead of major changes to save time and money. Replace cabinet and drawer handles for a fresh look. Swap dark window treatments for a pale, airy valance. If flooring needs replacement, choose a simple no-wax or neutral tile option.

Focus on maximizing impact with minimal expense.

Once updates are done, invest in quality cleaning supplies and deep clean every inch of the kitchen. Remove all magnets and clutter from the fridge and clean both the exterior and interior thoroughly. Scrub dirt, grease, and food particles from surfaces with antibacterial cleaner. Use oven cleaner to make the oven spotless, including the door.

Clean the stovetop and other reachable spots with antibacterial cleaner.

Clear all counters, disinfect them, and only replace three essential items to keep the space uncluttered.

Remember to clean small appliances before returning them to the counter or cupboard. Everything else should be packed away and stored.

If your kitchen doubles as “command central,” tidy up this area too. Clean the phone with antibacterial cleaner. Remove outdated notes from the bulletin board or store the board away.

Sort through the mail organizer, tossing unnecessary items and filing the rest. If possible, store the organizer with the bulletin board. Relocate the command centre to another space to make the kitchen look more organized and functional.

As long as your house is open to prospective buyers, be extra careful to keep the kitchen free of dirt and clutter.

Wash and put away dishes, pots and pans after each meal and never, ever leave dirty dishes in the sink for others to see. Clean and store small appliances, and wipe down the counters and sink following each meal.

Sweep the floor daily and clean up spills immediately. Mop at least once a week or whenever it looks less than spotless. Keep towels and dishcloths clean and neatly hung.

Maintaining the kitchen after each use avoids last-minute cleaning.

Before buyers arrive, double-check details: Are all lights on? Are towels clean and in place? Do faucets need a quick wipe? Is the garbage taken out?

Once everything is ready, light a gingerbread-scented candle, play soft music, and wait for the doorbell.

Spend a Little, Get a Lot

✅ Improve safety: Fix loose handrails, remove sharp objects and hazardous materials, and make sure windows and doors can’t slam shut.

✅ Protect your valuables: Rent a bank safe deposit box to store cash and small valuables while your house is being shown.

✅ Quiet garage upgrades: Replace hinges and springs on the garage door. They’re inexpensive and improve function and safety.

✅ Budget-friendly lawn care: If you’re still a few months out, reseeding the lawn is much cheaper than laying sod – and with time, it looks just as good.

✅ Create curb appeal: Replace a broken walkway with cement stepping stones from a home improvement store. It’s a simple and attractive upgrade.

Want to know what your home is worth?

Before you put your house on the market, you need to find out how much it’s worth in today’s market, so you can make your plans based on the most current information available.

We can prepare a detailed Pin-Point Price Analysis for you that shows the most current market activity in your area for homes like yours, and we can recommend an optimal marketing price range that will give you the best odds of selling quickly – and for top dollar!