Appliances That Sell Houses

Updating or remodeling your kitchen is not just for your own enjoyment, it’s an investment in your home.  Approximately 10% of your home’s value is in the kitchen, so if you’re considering a budget remodel or update, make sure to get the most bang for your buck.

While replacing kitchen cabinets is the most expensive part of kitchen makeovers, appliances can also take up a big chunk of your decorating budget.   While you can recoup up to 80% of a kitchen makeover with an increase in selling price, there are ways to spend wisely when it comes to choosing your kitchen appliances.

Matching Appliances

While you may prefer a GE refrigerator, a Bosch range and an LG dishwasher, it’s best to have at least the same brand of appliances throughout the kitchen.  For most kitchen designs, the color or finish should be matching as well.  You don’t want it to look like you bought what you could afford in a piecemeal fashion – even if you did!

An exception may be if you can work in a commercial kitchen appliance, particularly a range.  A Viking or Wolf cooktop or range is a well known commercial appliance and holds its value in and of itself.  It doesn’t necessarily need matching commercial refrigerators and dishwashers.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances are used as a selling point for residential real estate.  If you look through the ads of homes for sale, you’ll see them mentioned.  Stainless steel appliances tend to be higher end and closer to commercial quality, or at least they have been in the past.  Recently, stainless steel finishes have become more affordable and more prominent in residential kitchens.

Green Is In

Thankfully, while green is in for kitchen appliances, it’s not the avocado green from the 1970’s, but the energy efficiency of the 21st Century.  Energy Star qualified appliances have technology that use 10–50% less energy and water than standard models.  With rising energy costs and the trend towards environmentally friendly products, Energy Star appliances can not only save you money with your utility bill, but can be a valuable selling point if you put your home on the market.

Designer Names

While the cost is not always an indicator of quality, dropping some brand names in kitchen appliances can make them look better to a potential buyer.  It would be better to invest in bottom of the line designer appliances than top of the line no-name brands.

Bottom Line

If you’re redecorating your kitchen and planning to put your home on the market within the next few years, consider appliances that will not only look good and suit your needs, but appeal to prospective buyers as well.