need opinions on sprucing up kitchen (laminate, floor, counter top, paint)

[summers19]

I need opinions/advice on sprucing up my kitchen before we put our house on the market. We have very limited funds, so I'm wondering what to spend our money on. I have two ideas...
One is to buy a new refrigerator and stove. The current ones are almond color and not attractive. They are in fine working order but certainly don't look updated. I was thinking of white appliances.
OR should we spend our money on getting a new counter top? We'd buy laminate b/c that is what we can afford. Our current laminate countertops are a neutral color with specks of blue...not attractive. Thank god we have nice wood floors, or else our kitchen would really need some major work. I think we can get away with making a few cosmetic changes.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[rubytue]

With limited funds, here is what I would consider:
* replace the range and, if its electric, try to fit a smooth-top in your budget. Just today my realtor was saying that smooth top ranges are in demand and considered a good upgrade. Try a local scratch-and-dent place (like a Sears Appliance Outlet or an open box deal from somewhere) if you can find one. Check that the problems are on the sides where they will be hidden by the cabinets.

* before replacing the fridge, try Rust-Oleaum's appliance spray paint in white. I've never used it, but I had a friend who did. She followed the instructions to the letter (cleaning off all grease and sanding down the rust) and was very happy with the results. Since you have possible replacement in the budget, you won't be hurting anything by trying. Depending on your region, the fridge might not even convey and/or the buyers might have their own anyway. In my region, the fridge almost always conveys, but where I grew up, it never does. I would not spend money on the fridge unless you know you are leaving it and marketing to first-time buyers.

* If the countertops are in good condition, just dated, have new lamitate glued down on top. It will save a little bit over ripping out the counters and putting down new. Go with the best looking lamiate (I really love the Wilsonart HD laminates). We replaced our countertops last fall, and the price difference between plain lamiate and HD was less than $50. And that was on a custom job where we couldn't use preformed pieces (L shaped area with an opening and extended bar top on one side). Total cost was $670 for a 9x12 kitchen in the metro DC area.

[shannon94]

Originally Posted by summers19

I need opinions/advice on sprucing up my kitchen before we put our house on the market. We have very limited funds, so I'm wondering what to spend our money on. I have two ideas...
One is to buy a new refrigerator and stove. The current ones are almond color and not attractive. They are in fine working order but certainly don't look updated. I was thinking of white appliances.
OR should we spend our money on getting a new counter top? We'd buy laminate b/c that is what we can afford. Our current laminate countertops are a neutral color with specks of blue...not attractive. Thank god we have nice wood floors, or else our kitchen would really need some major work. I think we can get away with making a few cosmetic changes.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

What color/stain are your cabinets?? Unless you have a white kitchen ...white appliances tend to look to stark.

[Cosmic]

Basically you are trying to anticipate what a future buyer might want. R/E agaents push this approach because they have zero risk.

A new glass top stove might be nice if you can get it cheap. I just bought one at Lowes and got the second level GE for like $380, sale plus other discounts. Is yours electric or gas?

As mentioned you have to know the rules for your location. Some places you must sell with a stove, others not. The new buyers may not even want either appliance. New counter are nice but I doubt it is going to make that type of impact. A few bucks in the kitchen typically can't make that much impact. A new floor or paint job does more. Plus squeekly clean.

I might just save the money and be ready to give that much up in negotiation. Lot of people are more interested in price net because they are going change things anyway. That is the way I am.

A good paint job in selected area is usually the best way to spend money. Professionally done it makes the most impact. Especially places like ceilings if they are dull, faded, etc. Do a good walk thru and make a list of what is wrong. Fix those first. Things that will show up on an inspection list.

[golfgal]

Personally I don't like white appliances unless the kitchen is all white. They don't look good in most kitchens. Unless your appliances are very dirty, rusting, etc. I wouldn't bother with upgrading. Most people think that buying a new stove, etc. is easier then putting in new countertops. You can probably replace your countertops for less then a new stove/fridge. A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference too.

Can you post a picture of your kitchen and then we can give our opinions on what might be a better upgrade?

[dncngrl1964]

I am an interior designer and realtor

here is a good thing to try

take your digital camera (or borrow someones) and take a picture of the kitchen in BLACK AND WHITE all the little imperfections will pop out like a sore thumb.

and stainless is the way to go. I just blought a nice stainless gas stove for my kitchen it is all black but the front is faced with stainless it cost me $584 delivered
usually you can find an appliance you want and the upgrade to stainless is only $200
about the countertops.... the have new laminate countertops at lowes and HDepot for real cheap and they already have the mitered corners on them

[domergurl]

We just sold our home and the key for me has been to declutter, declutter, declutter. The rule of thumb, especially in a kitchen is one piece of whatever per counterspace. I also try to get something that smells like baking cookies going in my melter pot.

As for appliances, I always like to supply my own whenever we move, so if you do replace, don't break the bank.

Good luck!

[jhlcomp]

I have gone through a number of remodels.

First order is to declutter and clean to the power of 10. Has to pass the white glove test.

Do nothing and throw in an allowance for appliances - maybe $3000 - $5000 depending, to sweeten the pot.

Or since it is hard to anticipate what buyers tastes are, you can not go wrong with stainless - white is dated.

When showing, bake fresh cookies and have coffee or ice water available. Ice tea or lemonade is also a good choice.

Good luck to you.

[shannon94]

Originally Posted by dncngrl1964

I am an interior designer and realtor

about the countertops.... the have new laminate countertops at lowes and HDepot for real cheap and they already have the mitered corners on them

Those only work if you have a straight shot of counter ...if you have corners they have to be custom made.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by dncngrl1964

I am an interior designer and realtor

here is a good thing to try

take your digital camera (or borrow someones) and take a picture of the kitchen in BLACK AND WHITE all the little imperfections will pop out like a sore thumb.

and stainless is the way to go. I just blought a nice stainless gas stove for my kitchen it is all black but the front is faced with stainless it cost me $584 delivered
usually you can find an appliance you want and the upgrade to stainless is only $200
about the countertops.... the have new laminate countertops at lowes and HDepot for real cheap and they already have the mitered corners on them

I would disagree that stainless is the way to go, while they are still popular they are on the way out and as many people have figured out, they are not all that easy to keep clean. Also, stainless doesn't look good with all types of cabinets. Some friends put in new stainless appliances with their 80's oak cabinets and they don't look good, very out of place.