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Can an outdated kitchen cost you time, money and possibly your dream home?

Homebuyers form their initial impression from the home's exterior, but what's the first thing they want to see once they go inside? Most of the time, it's the kitchen.

Kitchen updates are important to sell your home. If the kitchen isn't up-to-snuff, many buyers will look elsewhere for their dream house and sellers could be losing time or money on an unsold property due in part to its lack of appeal because it doesn’t meet all consumers' needs which is why updating kitchens should always happen before anything else!

Kitchens Sell Homes

When I ask buyers which rooms convinced them to buy a particular home, there's one overwhelmingly popular answer: the kitchen. It's no wonder. Between preparing food, eating, and entertaining, people spend lots of time in the kitchen.  Even the name "kitchen" is outdated. Today, it's a living room you can cook in.

What do home buyers want in a kitchen? They want a spacious, airy feel. They want handsome cabinets and quality countertops. New, efficient appliances are a top choice. They want a kitchen where they can move right in without having to make changes.

If you can't offer these things, your outdated kitchen could wind up costing you time and money. If you can't sell your old home promptly, you may miss out on the new dream home you always wanted.

How Does a Modern Kitchen Add Value

Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms in a house to remodel. For many homeowners, their kitchens represent home and family time while cooking together as well as preparing food for all those who come over or sitting down at the dinner table after work is done. A new kitchen can increase market value by more than half its cost-and this doesn't even include other benefits such an expense may have like the increased resale price!

What Should I do to Update a Kitchen

Okay, let's say I've convinced you. You're going to take the plunge and upgrade. Now what? 

Here are a few guidelines.

• Make a plan, especially if you expect to do the work in stages over time. You don't want to replace the floor, then find it gets in the way of your center island.
• Unless you plan to stay many years, look to what's generally popular vs. your tastes.
• Be wary of over-improving. You'll get less of your expenditure back if your expensive kitchen outshines everything else in your home's price range. Look to be above average but not the most luxurious kitchen on the internet.
• Don't underestimate the appeal of an attractive backsplash. It's an inexpensive kitchen upgrade that punches above its weight.
• Stainless steel appliances have been around for a while, and they're not going anywhere. They still have broader appeal than black, white, or coloured.
• Besides new appliances, other desirable features are new cabinets, granite or quartz countertops, center islands and breakfast bars.
• Creative lighting is in demand. Undercabinet LEDs are practical, and they add a dimension to overhead lighting.
• Tile flooring has long been the standard, but today's luxury vinyl is less expensive, easier to install and comes in patterns that mimic tile and hardwood.
• If the cost of new cabinets is prohibitive, consider refacing your old ones.
• Be aware of fading trends. Over-the-stove microwaves, 4x4 floor tiles, maple cabinets and subway tile backsplashes aren't as popular as they once were.
• When you budget, plan for a 10-20 percent contingency. There's always something that comes up and makes remodelling cost more than you anticipated.

Enjoy it Today and Get Paid Back Tomorrow

Kitchens are not just beautiful spaces that hold our loved ones; they also allow us the privilege of cooking and eating delicious food. But what many people don't realize is how much an outdated kitchen can impact their property value, mental state or both! It might seem daunting at first but there's no reason you should continue living in such poor conditions when an upgrade could make all those problems go away quickly with one simple move