Special offer

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Sometimes it's not even a "room".  It can be the area/location, the outdoor space, the "feel" ---- so many different buttons can be pushed before the sale is signed and a "done deal" occurs.  

Nov 22, 2019 06:21 AM
Ambassador
5,049,058
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I think, in general, it's the kitchen, but certainly other factors can really be important to some buyers - an oceanview for example.

Nov 22, 2019 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

In my experience it's been the kitchen, closely followed by the master bedroom Peter Mohylsky 

Nov 22, 2019 06:11 AM
Ambassador
6,393,179
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Rooms may sell it, and for each person this may vary.  However that first impression from the curb may lead to a first impression that is nearly impossible to change. So in the end it may not be a room that sells as much as it is a front yard.

Nov 22, 2019 07:45 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

Kitchen is a big one. I think a MBR with all the bells+whistles seals the deal. 

Nov 22, 2019 06:34 AM
Ambassador
3,125,713
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

I agree for the most part Peter. Kitchens are the heart of the home and a gathering space for owners and friend and family. Bathrooms and bedrooms can be updated.

Nov 22, 2019 06:09 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

kitchen.... for all the years I've been in real estate....  we all congregate in the kitchen and that's why I have an island that seats 10...

Nov 22, 2019 06:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

The old adage is Kitchens and bathrooms but I think the kitchen is high on the list

Nov 23, 2019 06:11 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

All of the above.

Nov 22, 2019 12:45 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

It depends on the buyer... too hard to generalize. In one case, what sold my buyer was the horse barn and that's not even inside the house!

Nov 22, 2019 09:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,645
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Given it tends to be the most expensive room to remodel and the most used room arguably, I agree with you; The Kitchen.

Nov 22, 2019 07:59 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Fascinating to ponder this as we are purchasing the home, location and condition of it all. Then, we break it down to proces the plus and minus at some point. Location with a drive on the way starts it off with Curb appeal on approach. Then we enter and we see, entry hallway, living room and a few steps or turns later the kitchen where an impact is made (or not). The master is of interest along with the flow of the home. Yard rear and sides come under scrutiny with a friendly eye toward the garage. The package is under review and we roller-coaster through it all is my take

Nov 22, 2019 07:13 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The butler in the library with the candlestick.

I think if one looks at where the most investment is made the following pattern appears:

1. Kitchen
2. Outdoor living space (pool and cabana)
3. Owner suite

The closer #1 and #2 are the same space, it gets even better.

Looking at what % of cost builders allocate for each space is also revealing.

However, what really sells the house is the buyer seeing the desired TRANSFORMATION of their life into what the house promises. (family/friends gathered in the kitchen could be that transformation) For the ordinary, that could be a kitchen, but the extraordinary it may simply be sunlight.

Nov 22, 2019 06:43 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

It's a package deal, usually. Many think it's the "hearth of the home", meaning the kitchen. However, it's the curb appeal that gets buyers in first or makes them drive right by.

Nov 22, 2019 12:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,291
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Kitchen & bathrooms, location.

Nov 22, 2019 08:34 AM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Another vote for kitchen however here in Colorado where we have frequent large hail and need room for snow blowers and other space eaters, in addition to all the cars, garages are a big factor.

Also basements. Is it full or small, bright with lots of windows and a walk out or dungeons. A typical house here is $400,000. If half of the square footage is a full basement you’re paying $200,000 (ok, not exactly but bear with me) for that basement, or half of your mortgage payment.

When buyers look at it that way they become far more discerning about the basement than the master bedroom, etc.

You can upgrade bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas much easier than a garage that’s too small or a basement that is less than desirable.

And trying to sell an unfinished basement is the least desirable of all.

$200,000 for a place to store stuff you don’t use, and a place for the exercise equipment you don’t use 

Nov 22, 2019 08:19 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

The kitchen is high on the list.

Nov 22, 2019 08:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Looks like the consensus by the majority agrees with me; the Kitch!

Nov 22, 2019 07:28 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I whole heartedly believe that the kitchen is of the utmost importance with most buyers.  Naturally, there are buyers that go against what we typically see, but a buyer that doesn't care about the kitchen is rare.

Nov 22, 2019 06:35 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Kitchen.  

Nov 22, 2019 06:31 AM
Ambassador
2,161,048
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

I would think kitchen as well... usually more costly to replace/update than other parts of the house. Having said that, if the layout of the home is crummy and won't work for buyers needs, then a great kitchen may not help the cause.

Nov 22, 2019 06:25 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Kitchen followed by the master bathroom for the most part. 

Nov 22, 2019 06:22 AM
Rainmaker
805,799
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

It is almost always the kitchen, followed by the master bedroom and bathroom.

Nov 22, 2019 07:32 PM
Rainmaker
785,458
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

Most of the times is the kitchen and bathrooms.

Nov 22, 2019 01:10 PM
Rainer
231,948
Eva B. Liland Century 21 Doug Anderson
Century 21 Doug Anderson - Lancaster, CA
Glad to be of Service 661-714-1643

In general, the kitchen. For me, it's the LOCATION, i.e. being able to breathe, watch, see the ocean, nothing else matters as much.

Nov 22, 2019 11:32 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

I agree with the kitchen but I also like the view

Nov 22, 2019 11:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Kitchen usually.  Baths are secondary.

Nov 22, 2019 10:02 AM
Rainmaker
901,535
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

For most it is the kitchen. Some of my guy buyers are in it for the garage. Of course, if they're married, they have to find the house that has what the spouse wants too. 

Nov 23, 2019 07:16 AM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Kitchen, bathrooms.

Nov 22, 2019 09:43 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not believe any one room sells a house. It depends on the house, the buyer, and many other factors. 

I just sold a house because of the backyard for the dogs! 

Nov 22, 2019 08:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

It varies.

Nov 22, 2019 06:33 PM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Depends on the age of the Buyer for me.  Many Millenials eat out more often then not and are unable to cook.  Many Seniors are emptynesters and prefer to eat out or order in.  I've had many clients who have no interest in the kitchen whatsoever but instead, demand the ultimate master bath or media room. 

Nov 22, 2019 06:21 PM
Rainmaker
536,943
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

Kitchen

Nov 22, 2019 05:24 PM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Every house I've ever bought has been bought because of the kitchen. The other rooms are basically just walls. Layout is important also.

Nov 22, 2019 03:23 PM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

It's different for men and women. Females usually like Kitchen, Baths, Master bedroom. Men like garages, storage, attics, patios, basements.

Nov 22, 2019 02:42 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,362
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Peter Mohylsky it depends on the house and the area, but kitchen gets lots of attention.

Nov 22, 2019 02:10 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

The Entry seems to be the focal point and determines whether the buyer is going to give the home a fair chance.  A lousy entry clouds the rest of the showing even though the kitchen does sell a home it may be too late by the time they get there.

Nov 23, 2019 12:03 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Kitchen, bathroom

Nov 22, 2019 10:38 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

in my market it's generally the porch.  Because it has the best view of the lake.

Nov 22, 2019 08:09 PM
Rainer
341,353
Ron Tissier
Chapman Hall Premier Realtors (404) 580-9069 - Atlanta, GA
Defining Homes. Defining Lifestyles.

Kitchen.  Aka the "heart of the home".

Cheers!

Dec 21, 2019 08:02 AM
Rainer
16,946
Lisa Weiler
PM LLC - Los Angeles, CA
Interior Design Expert & Home Stager

I think the kitchen sells the house. Some of the other areas may prevent it from being sold.

Dec 02, 2019 09:52 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,482
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Depending on the buyer, could be the kitchen, master bedroom/bathroom or the garage!

Dec 02, 2019 08:11 AM
Ambassador
2,670,013
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

I would say 

1 Kitchen

2 Master Bedroom

3 Back Yard

Nov 27, 2019 12:31 AM
Rainmaker
629,608
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

The kitchen, and it's not even close! Most buyers can work with some short comings, but not the kitchen. I've seen buyers that bought homes just because of the kitchen. Buyers can like everything but the kitchen and the home is a nonstarter 

Nov 26, 2019 12:17 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I do not believe that you can generalize and say ONE room sells a house unless a specific house has that one room that is just spectacular and unique and appeals to that specific buyer.

Specific rooms - a kitchen, for instance - may be more important than other rooms, but it is the whole house that is being purchased.

Nov 24, 2019 03:46 PM
Rainmaker
2,241,053
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

You can have a grand slam ooh la la kitchen but if the entire budget was poured into where the vittles are whipped up to serve steaming hot and tasty. Well, once the buyer who is smiling ear to ear in the kitchen moves on, starts touring the other areas that are not up to snuff and out of whack... it's "NEXT House Please." Too much work. Spread the love around to bring all the rooms of the house up to snuff. Your favorite, mine may not be the same pick by the buyer in the eenie meenie miney moe. They better all look good on the team approach to sell the home Peter. That said a bathroom with working plumbing is pretty special when someone in a family tugs on the parent's sleeve and whispers "I gotta go... NOW." 

Nov 24, 2019 03:46 AM
Rainer
3,077
Michelle Krehbiel
KOR Real Estate & Development - Irvine, CA
I help clients build wealth through real estate.

I agree. I think a great kitchen is key to a home selling quickly.

Nov 23, 2019 09:24 PM
Ambassador
2,178,553
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Whatever condition the house is in... CLEAN is the most important. 

Nov 23, 2019 09:19 AM
Rainer
247,599
Jerry Thomas-Construction Loans
Cranbrook Loans - Farmington Hills, MI
Construction Loans in MI, OH, PA, VA, GA and FL.

A recently updated, higher end, kitchen never hurts.

Nov 23, 2019 08:48 AM