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When trying to sell your house it is important to remember the kitchen is the heart of the home. This room deserves a lot of attention because it can make or break the sale.

Potential buyers want to feel like they will be moving into a house that has been kept clean and been well maintained throughout. Following these tips will help to put your potential buyer at ease.

Declutter, declutter, declutter

Remove everything from your kitchen countertops. This includes small appliances and cooking utensils. Potential buyers will open your kitchen cabinets so just throwing everything in the cabinets will make your buyer wonder what else you are trying to hide. Clean out your junk drawer and organize the inside of your pantry so items are lined up and organized neatly.

New light fixture

There's no reason to live with an ugly ceiling light that causes eyestrain. For a small amount of money you can switch out your old fixture with one that is more up to date and provides more light.

New cabinet hardware

Spending $3 to $10 or so a cabinet to replace worn and outdated knobs and pulls with brushed nickel hardware will instantly modernize the look of the cabinets.

New window coverings

Your current curtains and blinds may be great for privacy but they will make your kitchen appear dark and drab. Replace your window treatments with sheers to let more natural light in.

Refinish the appliances

If your appliances are a dated color and replacing them is out the question, send them to an appliance refinisher (look in the phone book for a local shop). For a few hundred dollars they will re-enamel the surface in a hue of your choice such as white or black.

New paint

Giving the kitchen a new coat of paint is a great way to freshen up the look and make the room more inviting. Take care to make sure all caulk lines are neat.

Thorough cleaning

Clean your kitchen inside and out. The refrigerator may look great with all the magnets and pictures removed but a potential buyer will be turned off by the spoiled food and soda spills inside. Thoroughly clean your floor to remove stains from grout lines. Replace any cracked tiles. If you do not have any extra floor tiles, remove one from under the dishwasher or range. Clean the windows inside and out. Wipe wooden cabinets down with a furniture cleaner or lemon oil. And lastly, make sure the trash is removed; if possible keep the pail out of sight.

Fresh flowers and fruit

Adding a vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit will give your kitchen a burst of color and say “home” to a potential buyer. If you have any other plants in the kitchen make sure they are healthy. Clip any brown leaves and place the plant in a nice planter.

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