Each homebuyer has a wish list for what they want in a home and which rooms are important to them. For key rooms, the buyer will have a critical eye towards the room’s size, condition, and the features.

If you guessed we’ll be discussing the kitchen and the bathroom, you’re on track with these big-demand rooms. Before making any updates to colors, finishes, or features, it’s wise to consult with your real estate agent to learn what buyers are mentioning on their wish lists. If you have a budget for remodeling, these two rooms may be the ones to review first.

The Kitchen: The Center of Your Home

Few would disagree the kitchen, for many households, is the heart of the home. The kitchen is often where we gather—for morning meetings and getting everyone out the door at the crack of dawn to coming back together again at dinner and recounting what happened during the day.

The cooks in the family want space, the latest gadgets, and enough natural light to make the room feel big and airy. They need a place for cooking, cleaning, and storage. This is one of the heaviest used rooms in a home and it needs to withstand this usage.

Stand in the center of your kitchen and take a look around. Is your older kitchen beginning to show its age and become a bit lackluster? If you’re nodding your head, let’s do something about this to brighten up the room. Give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Perk up the cabinetry with new knobs, drawer pulls, and hinges. Change the faucet or add a pot sprayer attachment. Declutter the cabinets and countertops to show off how much storage is available. Go through the pantry to empty some shelves. Show prospective buyers there is ample space for their needs.

Larger appliances past their prime? Consider replacing them. If you’re not sure what today’s buyers are seeking, ask your agent. Agents keep up with the trends and are able to guide you towards the most requested finishes and features. Not every home must have granite counters nor stainless steel appliances to catch a buyer’s attention.

Next, focus on a bit of home staging with a vase of fresh flowers or fresh fruit on the counter and your favorite cookbook within reach. These simple pieces serve as reminders of delicious meals and gatherings taking place here.  

A Primary Bath: A Personal Sanctuary

Primary baths are very desirable and for good reason. This is a room used every day for basic hygiene, bathing, and beautifying. REALTORS® agree, homes with at least two full bathrooms or one full and one half-bath have become the standard many buyers are searching for to serve the needs of a family plus hosting houseguests.

It goes without saying, any bath should be clean, updated, and if it has a spa-like feel it scores higher in grabbing a buyer’s attention. After a long day laboring at work or doing yard chores the thought of soaking in the tub or under a larger showerhead is exactly what is needed to wash away the day’s stresses.

Consider making some changes if your current bathroom has a tiny sink, a small countertop, or stained grout. Double sinks and roomy countertops are bonuses buyers like.  

Stage the room with matching towels, shower curtain, and bath accessories such as a soap dispenser instead of a half-used bar of soap. Place any countertop clutter in bins that fit inside the cabinets or drawers. You want to show how much space is available.

Giving your kitchen and bathrooms a bit of special attention has proven to get the attention of buyers. Once these two rooms are tip-top you can move on to other rooms which may need some improvement.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.