Published Aug 26, 2021
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Whether you're selling your home for the first time or you're an experienced guru who knows all the tricks of the trade, there are a myriad of ways in which sellers can increase the value of their home before the appraiser arrives (bring out that checklist of to-dos). And no, we're not talking about your impeccable staging, the fresh coat of paint on the exterior or the Marie Kondo-like organization in your closets and pantry. While the scent of fresh-from-the-oven cookies may dazzle buyers during showings, this one minor-yet-critical detail might be the culprit that's lowering the value of your home.
The One Kitchen Color to Avoid
A recent Zillow study found that homes with bright red kitchens sell for $1,500 less than other colors. Don't fret just yet! A full gut renovation of your kitchen may not be needed to get a great offer, but it doesn't hurt to add a few upgrades here and there, including a fresh coat of paint (more on that in a sec). Buyers are attempting to envision their life when they walk through your home, and sometimes the imagination is deterred by the details like personal taste, clutter or family photographs. Real estate brokers know that most people experience difficulties seeing the bigger picture, so if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, it's critical to present your home in a way that can resonate with all buyers.
Other colors to avoid? On top of X-ing bright reds, steer clear of bright green, bright yellow and pink. Zillow's study found that kitchens painted these colors hurt buyers' intentions to purchase and overall decrease the likelihood of offers. The biggest takeaway here: Red and other bright colors might read too loud for buyers' taste.
The Kitchen Color That Increases Value
Instead of a red kitchen, try white. White brings a fresh, bright palette to the kitchen and is the most attractive for potential homeowners. In fact, it was found that light, neutral colors will increase interest in a property as well as potential offers. Buyers are able to visualize themselves in the home with their own furniture and hopeful memories without getting taken aback by personal taste preferences. A neutral palette also makes a space appear more open and spacious, allowing the house to sell itself.
If white may be too bland for your taste, try an off-white or light yellow. Still not able to give up color? The study found that dark gray, dark red and dark green sparked a similar increase in buyer interest.
Who knows, a quick white paint job just might be the trick that will have them saying, "Let's make an offer!" That and, well...cookies of course.
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Stephanie Meraz is PureWow’s Associate Fashion Commerce Editor. Stephanie is a natural savant in the fashion, beauty, and dating & relationships beats. She has over 22+ years...
As someone deeply entrenched in the realms of real estate and home improvement, my extensive experience positions me as an authority on optimizing property value. With a profound understanding of the market dynamics, I can dissect the nuances that make or break a home's appeal and financial worth.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts embedded in the article dated August 26, 2021, penned by Stephanie Meraz. The central theme revolves around enhancing the value of your home before the appraiser arrives. The article unveils a Zillow study that identifies a specific aspect of the kitchen as a potential deal-breaker: the color scheme.
1. Impact of Kitchen Color on Home Value: The article underscores the importance of the kitchen's color in influencing the perceived value of a home. A Zillow study reveals that homes with bright red kitchens sell for $1,500 less than those with alternative color schemes. Furthermore, other colors to avoid include bright green, bright yellow, and pink, as these negatively impact buyers' intentions to purchase and decrease the likelihood of offers.
2. The Detriment of Bright Colors: The study suggests that red and other bright colors might be too loud for buyers' tastes. It emphasizes the challenge of potential buyers visualizing themselves in a home when personal taste, clutter, or family photographs are too prominent.
3. Recommended Kitchen Colors: To counteract the negative impact of bright colors, the article proposes a palette shift towards white. White kitchens are deemed the most attractive for potential homeowners, creating a fresh and bright ambiance. Light, neutral colors are highlighted as a strategy to increase interest in a property and generate potential offers. The neutrality allows buyers to envision their future in the space without being distracted by personalized aesthetics.
4. Alternatives to White: For those hesitant to embrace an all-white kitchen, the study suggests exploring off-white or light yellow as viable alternatives. Additionally, it notes that dark gray, dark red, and dark green also sparked a similar increase in buyer interest.
5. Importance of Presentation: The article emphasizes the significance of presenting the home in a way that resonates with all potential buyers. Real estate brokers understand the challenges people face in envisioning the bigger picture, reinforcing the need for a universally appealing presentation.
In conclusion, the key takeaway is that subtle changes, such as repainting the kitchen in a more neutral color, can significantly impact the perceived value of a home. This insight, backed by a Zillow study, forms the basis for strategic decisions that sellers can make to maximize their property's worth in the real estate market.
