First, my thought on the granite is cold. My thought on your price is great! If you could remodel your kitchen for $3,500.00 please do so you will easily get that back in the sale of your home. "Reality" a remodeled kitchen with granite usually carries a much higher price, I heard people spend at least 25-50 thousand or more on a kitchen $3,500.00 for a kitchen remodel is a drop in the bucket go for it!!!!

Well, you could ask your agent to show you four other homes in your neighborhood and price range that are similar to what you are trying to sell to see for yourself what the compititon has that you don't have. If it's only granite counter tops, I'll be very surprised. Good Luck.

I don't know, Glenn. Unless the floors, appliances, and cabinets are totally up to date also. . . I've seen people put granite over their 80s white kitchen cabinets with their 20 year old white appliances and linoleum or 8 inch white tile floors. In that case it's a waste of money, IMO. You won't get one cent more than you would without.

I guess I would also go into the yes column. You won't neccessarily get $3500. more for your home, but it will make it more attractive for bringing an offer. A clean, crisp, bright home free of odors and clutter are also inexpensive ways to make your home more appealing. If you have hardwood under carpet, it cost next to nothing to rip it out and clean the floors. Some buyers can't see potential. Many buyers see dated and unkept as a bargaining chip. Good luck!

Hi Glenn,

As you can see 99.99% of active home selling Realtors suggest that for the $3500 investment you will do much better on with the sale of your home. All more the reason to look to a full time Realtor to help you get your home sold.

Let us know what you decide to do!

Glenn,

In short, you will rarely find a 100% ROI on a kitchen upgrade, but it will most certainly make your property more attractive to potential buyers.

Francesca

Glenn,

In a word . . . NO! . . . you will not get back 100% of your investment in updating a kitchen. Year after year the National Association of Realtors has published a cost v. value report that indicates the ROI of upgrades and continuously the outcome is that an upgrade rarely nets 100% return (even when the RE market was "good").

In my view (and this is mantra that I confidently feed to my sellers), if the market comparables warrant an upgrade (i.e., your competition has features your home does not), then it is an investment that will enable your home to sell in a shorter period of time, but do not expect a 100% ROI. Currently, kitchen upgrades are netting approx 70% ROI.

The other school of thought is that an "upgrade" to your liking may not be to the liking of potential buyers; therefore, rather than upgrade, reduce your asking price and let the buyers make the renovations of their choice.

Most recently, a seller asked me the same question . . . and we ultimately decided to list without renovations and monitor the Realtor/Buyer feedback. It sold in 45 days to a couple that were HGTV fans with the husband having "connections" in the construction business who were quite enthusiatic about taking on the project . . . . although I must admit that this was a rare find!

I'd be happy to give you my honest, open opinion on whether to upgrade or not.

Love and Peace,
Francesca, ePro, SRES
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
732.606.2931 (24/7)

Hello, Glenn,

There is no debate about this ... an updated kitchen will definitely add value to your home. This does not mean, however, that you will definitely see that return on your investment, as the market is still in a bit of a decline. If you can afford to invest in the update, it will certainly help when it comes time to sell. And, if you don't do the upgrade, the amount a potential buyer would try to negotiate off your asking price would probably be double your proposed investment.

You will want to focus on the 'total look' of the kitchen, though. Fresh paint, new hardware and granite counter tops are desirable, but you'll want a nice floor, good lighting and upgraded appliances, too. It's a buyers' market now and those buyers are more discriminating than ever in what they are looking for.

Good luck, and please call me if you would like some help with your 'buying or selling'. Debbie

HI Glen

I'll add my vote to the "yes" column in favor of doing the kitchen upgrade you mentioned. Also a "yes" to the question "will you will get it back.".

The amount you are investing, $3500, is a small percentage of what I am sure your home is worth. Kitchen upgrades go a long way. I did a blog that's here on Trulia in regard to inexpensive ways to upgrade kitchens and baths. You don't have to spend a lot to get a big return!
It's a great idea to add the granite and new hardware...........it will make a big difference, and will go a long way!

Enjoy your improvements, and good luck with the sale!
Best wishes...
Debbie Rose
Prudential NJ Properties

Hi Glenn, in the whole scheme of things an investment of $3,500 is a reasonable amount to increase the likelihood and speed of your sale. Consider this, if you home does not sell within the initial period, you will -or should - be discussing a price adjustment with your agent and that price adjustment will most surely be more than $3,500. If that amount of money will bring your kitchen to life, I'd say go for it.

Good luck to you!

Best,
Jeannie Feenick
"Unwavering Commitment to Service"
Search the MLS at http://www.feenick.com

Heather is on the money.. You will see that money back and you will get too enjoy it yourself during the home sale process. If you need to answer any other questions regarding your property , updating and home selling in general, give me a call and we can discuss.

My Office is on Main St in Freehole Boro, come by or give a call!

John Sacktig
Broker /Manager
Orange Key Realty
Office: 732-863-6969
Cell: 732-213-1409

JSacktig@orangekeyrealty.com

Hi Glenn K,

Most realtors will tell homeowners that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes.
I will tell you they can also be deal breakers.
Granite Sells
Wood Sells
Stone and Tile sells

In my opinion if you can afford to do the $3500 upgrade, do it.

When negotiating a price to purchase your home the buyers agent will bring up that the kitchen is outdated, he may say "it will cost my buyers $5,000 to 10,000 to updated it"!

By doing this work now, it could save you even more when you start negotiating.

I have lived and worked in Howell since 1988, I know the market very well. If you have any other questions, feel free to call or e-mail.

Sincerely,

John Meeker
Weichert Realtors Howell Office
732-910-2593
JMeeker@Weichert.com

Hi Glenn,
Kitchen and baths are usually very important to update when selling. Depending on what the cabinets look like granite may be a good option. If the cabinets are in good shape then granite may just bring that updated feel. If the cabinets are older then you may want to consider replacing with just a nice laminate countertop to spruce it up.

Now the big questions, will you get the money back. Generally homes that are updated sell quicker and for more money so yes you will see a return.

Thanks,
Heather Daccurso
Weichert Realtors-Howell
732-580-5309
Email: heather@heatherdaccurso.com

No one can guarantee that you will get the money back, we are in a declining market. So you could put out the 3500 today and next month the home might have gone down in value. So there is no guarantee. However, it will add value to the home, and make it show better when you are ready to sell the home. Buyers like to see that the house was kept up to date and has recent upgrades, so this will benefit you in the long run. Please email or call me with any other questions. Good luck!

William F. Troy
Realtor Associate SRES, e-PRO, CDPE, Luxury Home Team
Veltri & Associates Realtors
1012 Cox Cro Rd.
Toms River, NJ 08755
Direct Dial (732)281-3067
Cell- (732)600-1570
Home- (732)961-0079
Fax- (732)557-6425
Home Fax- (732)961-0089
wtroy@veltrirealtors.com http://www.veltrirealtors.com
"When only the very best will do!"