Does the “Counter” affect the “Offer”?

 One common question I hear from clients when offering consultation is, ”Should I replace my countertops?”

If your countertops are damaged, no matter the price point of your home, they should be replaced. No one will purchase a home that is not well cared for. If they do, they expect a much lower purchase price. It would cost less to replace the countertops.

home staging dead

 

Another downside to not replacing them is that most potential buyers are in the market for move-in ready. So even if you lower the price to accommodate, you are more likely to lose some potential offers altogether.

So the next question is, “What do I replace the counter with?”

Will updated Formica do?  There is granite, quartz, Butcher block, and so many, many choices.  The answer is based on a few questions about the property.

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What is the condition of your home?

What are the comparables in the area?

If your home is in good shape and has had many upgrades throughout then having updated counters will give you the edge to show your home as move in ready.

There are many grades of granite at different price points, so your choice should depend on the price point of your home. In $200 and $300-thousand and under, stone countertops are not typically expected but would give you the edge over your competition. If your price point is more than $300.000  plus then most buyers are looking for granite and are willing to pay extra.

home staging

 

Last consideration when  replacing countertops is the condition of your kitchen cabinets. They should be solid and in good condition. Shiny new counters, especially a higher-end countertop like granite, added on top of dated old cabinets makes those cabinets stick out like a sore thumb and just serves to highlight how awful they really are.

So clean them up, replace the hardware, re-stain and/or paint the cabinetry and it will compliment those beautiful new stone countertops and make your investment shine.

If you have a question for “Ask The Home Staging Expert”, please contact 

Images Staged with Flair

905-980-4962

www.imagesstagedwithflair.ca

The Big Move for Images Staged with Flair

home staging

The Big Move for Images Staged with Flair.

By Anna Topolinsky, Owner of Images Staged with Flair

 

 We needed to make the big move!It is no secret that the housing market in the Golden Horseshoe has been hot! Hotter than most people can remember it ever being. Prices are up and it has been a busy year for Real Estate Brokers, Home Builders, Property Investors, Stagers like us, and Movers too!

Continue reading The Big Move for Images Staged with Flair

Six costly staging mistakes in preparing your home for a quick sale and high profit.

home staging blog

Written by Anna Topolinsky

De-cluttering and cleaning jobs are high on the list that real estate professionals recommend to home and property sellers.

Continue reading Six costly staging mistakes in preparing your home for a quick sale and high profit.

Images Staged with flair biggest project for 2015

 

Images Staged with Flair biggest project for 2015

This was our biggest project for the year 2015. Homeowners were relocated and rented this home. Tenants did a lot of damage and homeowners had to decide if they were selling as is or if they were going to spend the money to have the home renovated before they sell. Images Staged with Flair, we have a list of trades that we work with and trust. Their work s second to none and they are willing to work with the clients budget in mind. New hardwood throughout, some renovations in master bath, new flooring in master bedroom, new granite in 3 bathrooms and kitchen, new flooring in master bath, new garage doors, fresh paint throughout and staging. This home sold in first week.

Images Staged with Flair is located in St.Catharines, Ontario, we service the Niagara Region and surrounding areas, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Stevensville, Ridgeway, Grimsby, Vineland, Stoney Creek, Welland, Fort Erie, Fonthill, Pelham, Wainfleet, Port Coulborne and Hamilton.