Photo: Curtis Adams

Do houses sell better with appliances?

If you want to bring the wow factor to potential homeowners, this is an area you can't ignore. Additionally, most lenders want a fully functional kitchen before they can approve a loan. If you compare two homes in the same area, the one with new appliances will fetch a higher price.

upnest.com - What Should You Do with Appliances When Selling Your Home? - UpNest

Is it OK to have a bathroom door swing out?

In particular, should bathroom doors open in or out? Most contractors and home builders follow an unwritten rule that bathroom doors should swing...

Last updated Jun 7, 2021

What material is the most effective insulator?

As a quick overview: Aerogel is more expensive, but definitely the best type of insulation. Fiberglass is cheap, but requires careful handling....

Last updated Nov 24, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

As a home seller, did you know the appliances in your home can be a huge selling point? On the flip side, appliances can also bring your asking price down — if they are old and/or broken or need updating. So, what should you do with your appliances when selling your home? Below is some advice.

Should the appliances stay or should they go?

Before you put your house on the market, it’s a good idea to decide what stays and what goes. If your appliances are old, you should probably replace them if you want to get the most money for your home. But what if replacing one appliance like the stove makes the house look and seem unbalanced? It may make more sense to delay the listing and focus on more upgrades. When it comes to upgrades, talk to a Realtor to confirm whether you are making a worthwhile investment or not. Below are the factors to consider before you get rid of your appliances from a functional perspective.

Age

The general rule of thumb is to replace refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry cleaners that are older than 10 years. You may want to check the serial tag to get an idea of the life expectancy.

Signs of Wear and Tear

After some time, an appliance can malfunction, and that’s a red flag it’s on the way out. This could be time to do the repairs or replace such items.

High Electricity Bill

Research has shown that old appliances consume a lot of power. If you’re concerned about keeping the cost of utilities down, consider investing in energy-efficient appliances. Of course, this can be a strong selling point for your house, too.

Cost to Repair

If the cost of repair is more than 50%, it could be smarter to upgrade the appliance. Likewise, if the appliance has gone through service calls many times, you can do a cost-benefit analysis.

What appliances can stay?

You can leave any appliance that is attached to the house. This is true for things like bathroom and kitchen fixtures and anything on the fireplace. Other appliances you may leave behind include smoke alarms, monoxide monitors, and security systems. Some fixtures and appliances actually serve as negotiating tools when you’re selling. If you have mounted your TV on the wall, let it stay. A freestanding bookshelf can also be a good price negotiating tool.

Do sheds need airflow underneath?

Good vents in your shed are an absolute must, even if you are only using it for storage. Without a good venting system, your shed can experience...

Last updated Jun 1, 2021

Should I put a heater in my shed?

If you want to heat your shed, you can add insulation, bring in different types of heaters, and/or bring in different kinds of stoves. The best way...

Last updated Nov 17, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

How Appliances Affect the Home Selling Price

Home appraisers often check whether an appliance is in pristine condition. If you want to bring the wow factor to potential homeowners, this is an area you can’t ignore. Additionally, most lenders want a fully functional kitchen before they can approve a loan. If you compare two homes in the same area, the one with new appliances will fetch a higher price. Another important thing when boosting your home’s value is consistency when it comes to the appliances. Plus, items like the HVAC system, sump pump, and water heater should be in good condition. Does your home have smart home upgrades, or are you thinking of getting them? They increase your home value and provide an amazing return on investment. Kitchen upgrades are one of a buyer’s most desired features.

What to Look for When Choosing an Appliance

Brand

Certain brands like LG and Samsung are more recognizable, so they will add to the overall home value. Also, homes with Viking products are considered unique. Choose a brand that aligns with your home’s selling price. If the quality of the appliance doesn’t match up, you may be forced to bring down the price.

Energy Efficiency

While this is an area that is often overlooked by many, the appliance you install in your home will contribute to the overall cost of energy. This is true for units like dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Energy-efficient appliances go a long way in boosting home value.

Low Maintenance Aesthetics

The appliances you buy for the home should match the décor – this will attract more buyers. Some people like to match the same colors, quality, and brands. According to real estate experts, stainless steel is popular among homebuyers. Other finishes that have grown in popularity include midnight sky, black stainless, and shades of blue or other unexpected color.

Features

Most homebuyers desire add-on features like smooth gliding racks, more burners, and appliances with a high CFM.

Price

What is a rats natural enemy?

Famously, birds of prey feed on mice and rats. Raptors, including hawks, owls, eagles and falcons, are common predators. Red tail hawks, found...

Last updated May 20, 2022

How high can a shed be in a garden?

it will be more than 4m high with a pitched roof or 3m high with a flat roof. If it will be within 2m of the boundary of the house, it must be 2.5m...

Last updated Oct 7, 2021

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

If you want your home to get top dollar, consider getting top-of-the-line appliances if you can afford it. You don’t want to choose items with subpar features. When budgeting for an appliance, make sure you also pay attention to the cost of installation, unless you intend on doing it yourself.

Do the appliances work?

Unless you’re selling a distressed property, you need to ensure all appliances are functioning. Remember, you’ll be required to sign a property disclosure statement on the contents and condition of the house. That’s why you must ensure the appliances are working effortlessly.

Buyers and What They Expect

When you place your house in the market, you want to get as much money as you can. Perhaps you want to target middle-income families or first-time buyers. First-time buyers will look for cheaper options, so the appliances in your home could make or break the deal. On the flip side, buying new appliances for your home could be a waste of money if you’re targeting the wealthy class. But if you’re targeting the upper-middle-class buyer, they expect a pleasant kitchen with quality appliances. In such a case, take the full plunge to replace your appliances. It’s worth mentioning that real estate agents will always look at comparable homes to determine whether your property is priced reasonably. If there are other homes in your neighborhood with sparkling new appliances, it can drive up home values in your area. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider upgrading yours.

Use UpNest to Sell Your Home Fast

There’s no cut-and-dry answer as to what you should do with the appliances when selling a home. But just like any other investment, selling a home requires careful consideration of the appliances to buy and those to keep. Talk to your real estate agent to ensure you’re making a worthwhile investment. Still need a Realtor? The search is over! UpNest is here to save you time and money and get you the best agents. Our trained, accredited real estate professionals are the best in class when it comes to selling your home.

upnest.com - What Should You Do with Appliances When Selling Your Home? - UpNest