Homeowners who want to make their home more appealing to potential buyers want to know how much impact new countertops have on resale value. If you‘re planning to put your
home on the market in the next few years, does it make financial sense to replace your countertops? This countertops guide answers questions about the resale value of new countertops.
The Condition of your Old Countertops
If you’re old countertops are a neutral color and in decent condition, it may not make sense to replace them ahead of putting your home on the market. However, if the countertops look dated, are stained or are in poor general condition, they can be a deterrent to selling your home. Anytime a potential buyer walking through your home sees an expensive item that needs to be fixed or replaced, they make a mental note of it. If those negative marks add up too high, your home won’t be considered a good choice for them. If your countertops are ugly or in bad shape, you might not get all your money back in resale value, but they may make your home more acceptable to more buyers, and that is worth a lot.
Where to Spend Money on New Countertops
The kitchen is the hub of many homes. Couples and families spend a lot of time there. Whoever does the food preparation and clean up wants a kitchen they enjoy, since they spend so much time in it. In addition, time spent in the kitchen involves not just preparing and eating food, but conversation and other social activities with family members and friends. Potential buyers give special attention to the kitchen and you’ll get good resale value out of new kitchen countertops.
People are busier these days and so spend less time in the bathroom than they have in the past. If your bathroom countertops are in terrible condition, you may have to replace them to prevent a negative effect on your ability to sell the house. But you won’t get quite the resale bang for your buck that you do with new kitchen countertops.
What Type of New Countertops to Choose
If you decide to get new countertops before you put your home up for sale, be careful in your choice. Make sure the new countertops fit with the overall décor of the kitchen or bathroom. Go with something attractive but versatile – neutrals are always good. This is not the time to go with a trendy choice. Pick something mainstream and not too expensive. Ask the countertop contractor you work with to suggest countertop types and styles that have more of a timeless look.
Summary
Be wise in your choice for new countertops. Make a selection that enhances the overall look of the kitchen, but one that is still fairly neutral and versatile. You won’t get all of your money back from new countertops in most cases. But they may very well make your home more appealing to a wider range of potential buyers. They can significantly improve your chances of selling your home.