Expert: liznarr - 2/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am in the process of getting my house ready to list in the spring.  Currently my range is almond (working fine but old-ish), dishwasher and microwave are stainless/silver and the newest appliances, while the refrigerator is white.  Obviously, a matching set would look better.  Would I get the money back in the sales price if I bought a new range, micro-hood and refrigerator to match the dishwasher?  The micro-hood would also free up counter space, making the counters more attractive too.  If I had all the money and no concerns, then sure, no problem to do, but if I'm wanting to get the biggest bang for my buck, am I wasting it on this purchase?  Also, if you say that I should buy, what are your thoughts on the refrigerator, since most folks take the fridge when they leave anyway?  I can get the 3 items for $1200 or just the 2 for $600.

Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Julie,

I would not necessarily count on getting your money back for the package of purchases you mentioned, but all stainless steel appliances in a kitchen would certainly add a lot of appeal to your home and get you more attention and possibly bring more potential buyers inside.  Nice up-to-date kitchens ALWAYS help sell a home, and we are in a true buyer’s market now.
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If your budget cannot afford the total package – and your current appliances are all in working order – go with what you have.  We all want to get the biggest bang for our money, but when you put your house on the market, remember that you don’t have a second chance to make a great first impression.

You mentioned that a micro-hood would also free up counter space and also make the counters more attractive.  My opinion is that the micro-hood would definitely be a good investment for you.

Check into appliance spray paint to possibly spray your range white or a grey to blend with the stainless steel.  Make sure, however, if you do spray your range that you use only spray paint approved for such appliances, as heat from the range will be a factor.

The list price of your home is a factor, also.  If the home you are selling is in an area that first-time buyers would look at (buyers who cannot really afford an additional expense of new appliances), then the purchase of a new range might also be a big payoff for you.

It’s true (especially in my area) that Sellers do not “normally” leave the refrigerator.  If you price your home right, you could offer to give an allowance of “whatever,” say, for a new refrigerator with a full price offer.

I hope the comments above are helpful for you.  Good luck to you, and write again if you have additional questions.

Regards,
Elizabeth


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Very helpful.  Thank you.  Just clarification on the refridgerator.  Are you suggesting I keep the white one & just give them an allowance for getting a new one, or that it would be best to get a new stainless one. Not sure I follow what you were advising.  Also, what is your feel on appliance paint?  I have bought some and have a handyman that will do it (hasn't ever painted an appliance but has spray painted before).  I've heard it either looks really good or really bad.  If we went paint, would you suggest painting the range & the refridg or just the range.

Sorry for so many questions.

Thanks

Answer
Julie,

I generally do not recommend to my Sellers that they spend money unnecessarily to sell a home.  

There are, of course, some things that should always be in top notch condition, and others that – if a Seller updates – may not be what a Purchaser would choose.  

For this reason, I would probably recommend to you that you offer an allowance on the refrigerator with either a full-price or acceptable offer.  That way, the Purchaser can make his/her choice when getting the new refrigerator.

Since your refrigerator is white, unless you could get an extremely good-looking color match, I probably would leave the refrigerator white and forego trying to spray paint it.  White will not clash with stainless steel as badly as the almond color of your range.

Appliance paint on a stove or range may not hold up well over the long-haul, because of heat extremes.  If you have a handyman who will not charge you an arm and a leg to spray your range, you might try this method and see what happens.  If the outcome is not good, you could then shop for a new range (and you might want to get some pricing in advance of trying the spray).  You just have to be VERY careful when spray painting not to get paint “runs” from improper spraying that will cause the painted surface to look like a botched attempt to save money.

Hope the above helps, and don’t forget to rate my answers.

Thanks,
Elizabeth