A kitchen isn’t just for cooking anymore. A modern kitchen can be used as a gathering space, for entertaining guests, and much more.
Local Nothnagle Realtor Nancy Crocker weighed in on what makes a desirable kitchen in the home-buying market today.
“Today’s homebuyers have different desires in a kitchen than they did in the '80s and '90s," she said. "Living room and family room activities are merging into kitchens, making them a gathering place for family, a central work space or just an open area to pursue craft projects or even to simply entertain.”
Crocker has been in the real estate business for more than 35 years and with Nothnagle Realtors for the past 11. When it comes to what folks are looking for lately, Crocker said that having a versatile and open floor plan for kitchens has become a hit with recent homebuyers.
“Existing homes typically have a wall separating kitchens from dining rooms and other parts of the home but with a modern kitchen, those walls are removed and the room is designed in a less utilitarian way.”
Crocker cited larger windows, fewer and more user-friendly cabinets, soft lighting and sleek countertops as a few indicators of what a modern kitchen should look like.
“Improvements to kitchens are a major appeal to homebuyers and they certainly enhance the value of the home for sale,” Crocker said.
She suggested a few improvements for anyone interested in revamping their home to sell.
“Modern, eye-appealing kitchens and bathrooms are major wants of almost every homebuyer,” she said. “If a seller wants to make a worthwhile investment, they should consider a few improvements.”
A kitchen island that has functional benefits but also provides space for entertaining, informal dining and extra storage. Crocker said that buyers are attracted to size-appropriate islands that are consistent with existing décor in the kitchen.
Crocker maintained that any seller can make a good investment in his or her property by updating their kitchen and/or bathrooms.
“A serviceable, eye appealing and updated kitchen is high on the list of most people looking to buy their home. A kitchen needs good strong bones which can be enhanced by updated countertops, hardware, flooring, cabinets and appliances.”
