5 Things in Your Glencoe, Winnetka Kitchen That Will Deter Buyers

When you're selling your home on Chicago's North Shore, you will want to take every precaution to ensure you are hooking buyers, not deterring them from putting in an offer. There are dozens of factors that come into play to keep buyers interested in your home. Pricing the property well and getting familiar with home staging are all important, but there's one place you will want to focus your attention on a little more prior to listing— the kitchen.

Below are five things in your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook kitchen that could be putting buyers off:

Household pests
Especially if you live in an older home, you will likely have an encounter or two with household pests like ants or flies. However, this is the last thing buyers want to see when they tour your home! Make sure you're rid of these bugs (or worse, mice!) before buyers arrive at the front door and at the very least, remove all traps from view.

Clutter
Kitchens are a major selling point for North Shore homes and you want to make sure yours looks as large and clean as possible. One way to do so? Remove all clutter from countertops. When you have small appliances, jars, plates, or knick knacks littering the counters, it can make the space feel smaller than it is.

Litter boxes
If you own a cat, make sure the litter box isn't housed in the kitchen. Of course you love your cat, but not all buyers are cat people. Leaving cat litter, litter boxes, or pet food bowls around can be a red flag to buyers and instantly turn them off.

Your trash 
We all have trash cans somewhere in our kitchen, but no one wants to focus on that when they're touring a North Shore home. If your trash can is out in the open, make sure the can is empty to avoid odors and ensure the space looks as clean as possible.

Dishes
Just as I mentioned that buyers could be turned off by your trash and kitchen clutter, the same goes for dirty dishes. Before buyers arrive, take care to do the dishes in the sink and leave the sink as fresh looking as you can. Dirty dishes give off the impression that you haven't kept up the rest of the property— even if you have.

Curious if your home is ready to sell on the North Shore? Give me a call today for more information and helpful tips to prepare your property for buyers!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States. 

How to Make Your Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park Kitchen Look Expensive

It's no secret that two of the spaces that help to sell a home on Chicago's North Shore are the bathroom and the kitchen. Buyers today want to see updated baths and kitchens that they can simply step into and use efficiently without having to make drastic changes. But don't worry, home sellers— that doesn't mean you need to plan a massive remodel to please North Shore buyers.

Below are five easy ways you can make your Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park kitchen look expensive, without breaking the bank or your back!

1. Pick a luxurious color palette
Muted colors like creams and greys can do wonders for your North Shore home! Brighter, bolder colors can turn off buyers and make it difficult for them to envision their belongings in the space which may not pair so well with a harsh red, for instance.

2. Incorporate texture
Before you take to coating the walls in one coat of flat paint, consider your options. Varying high gloss and matte finishes can help to make the space interesting and feel more high-end. You can also bring in textured elements like plants and distressed hardware to add additional layers.

3. Add new hardware
One of the easiest ways to make a space feel fresh and new is by simply changing out your cabinet hardware! Toss out your outdated cabinet pulls, opting for clean lines in a brass or nickel finish— and don't be afraid to mix metals!

4. Add new light fixtures
If your kitchen in the Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park areas is sporting a chandelier from decades ago, it may be time to splurge on something new. Simple fixtures like glass pendants or globes can help to modernize the space while making it feel more open and airy.

5. Add a new backsplash
Tile is one of the features that can make a home feel dated— especially if your home was built mid-century and boasts a pastel color scheme. Set aside some time to remove the old tile from your backsplash and replace it with something new!

There are dozens of ways you can show off your home in its best possible light this spring— and not just in the kitchen or bath! Give me a call today for more information about how you can attract buyers to your North Shore home. As your local real estate expert, I can help you find the right buyer and sell your home for a price you love!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.