Granite countertops and other kitchen improvements are popular among homebuyers and sellers. As a homeowner getting ready to sell your property, should you install granite countertops to attract potential homebuyers?
Let’s look at why you may want to install granite to help sell your home.
Should You Install Granite? It Depends
Should you install granite to sell your house? The answer is that it depends on a few factors.
Yes, installing granite can significantly raise the value of your house and may make it easier to sell at a higher price. However, it is only worth installing granite under a few conditions. If you cannot meet those conditions, you likely won’t see a benefit when selling your house.
Can You Install Granite Countertops?
The first thing to examine is your counters. More specifically, what are they sitting on? The cabinets must be structurally sturdy enough to support granite countertops.
Granite is solid and very heavy, so you need a sturdy base for it. Avoid granite installation if your cabinets have weak connections to the wall, are not appropriately leveled on top or the bottom, or are older and may not support the weight. At best, you may damage your cabinets and need repair. At worst, someone could get hurt if the cabinetry collapses under the weight of your newly installed countertops.
Another thing to consider is if the cabinets are valuable enough to put granite on. You don’t want to put expensive granite tops on low-cost or poor-quality cabinetry. They do not pair well in terms of look or value in most cases. However, with suitable options, adding granite adds value. Otherwise, it may not be appealing to potential buyers.
Does The Increase in Value Outweigh the Cost?
In most cases, installing granite does raise the value and appeal of a house. However, if you are going to install granite to sell your home, the increase in value should outweigh the installation cost.
For example, installing granite countertops can cost around $3,000 or about $40-$60 per square foot. If the increase in the value you get at the sale is less than $3,000, you did not see a benefit from installing the granite. Get an accurate estimate of what it would cost to install and how it can affect your home’s value. A licensed CM Fox Real Estate agent can help you better understand what home improvements you should invest in before selling your property, such as granite.
When Are You Planning to Move?
When deciding to install granite, one last consideration is when you plan to sell your home. If you want to sell right after the installation is completed, the choice is solely based on financial gain. However, staying a while after the installation means that you get to enjoy your new counters.
If you don’t plan to sell for a few years, but you are starting to prepare your house now with a few upgrades, it may be the time to install the countertops. You get to enjoy them for a few years before moving. Even if it does not help you get a better deal on your real estate sale, you can still enjoy living in a home that has beautiful and timeless granite countertops!
Get Advice from a Realtor
Making your final determination should include consulting a realtor to help you assess the potential value of installing granite. The licensed real estate professionals at CM Fox Real Estate regularly work with clients to determine the value of their homes and can help you determine what raises your home’s value and what doesn’t. Contact CM Fox Real Estate through our website or call 518-861-7030 to set up a consultation with one of our licensed real estate agents.