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ARELLO research finds private listings underperformed MLS listings, while coming-soon homes fared better. Explore the findings and implications for agents.
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A report shows Phoenix home values declining, sales slowing and inventory increasing as mortgage rates continue to challenge affordability.
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CPI rose 3.7% year over year in September and 0.6% month over month, with gasoline up 9.1%, pressuring mortgage rates.
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October 13, 1:08 PM
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Prospective home buyers are often experiencing transition in their personal lives. Perhaps a wedding — or divorce — is on the horizon. Maybe their kids have grown up and moved out, or their financial circumstances have changed.
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October 13, 1:06 PM
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BlackRock just made its most aggressive shift in bond strategy since 2020, pulling money out of stocks to do it, but the real question is whether the Fed will cooperate or blow up the trade entirely.
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October 13, 1:04 PM
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U.S.pending home sales sink to a 12-year low as rising mortgage rates and high home prices push buyers to the sidelines and increase deal cancellatio...
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October 12, 7:14 PM
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Phoenix housing market slows in September as pending sales plunge, inventory rises and affordability pressures push prices lower.
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October 12, 1:33 PM
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TL;DR: Mortgage rates went up today, inching closer to 7.5%.
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October 12, 1:31 PM
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Here's your daily brief with today's top real estate auction news and trending stories.
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October 11, 9:41 PM
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Borrowers shopping for a 30-year fixed mortgage in the fall of 1981 saw rates peak at 18.63% in the week of Oct. 9. That still stands as the record in Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of mortgage rates, which began in 1971.
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October 11, 9:38 PM
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The rental market continues to show strength, with the biggest annual rent gain since April 2025In September, existing home sales fell 2.5% from last year according to Zillow's nowcast. Newly pending sales, a forward-looking indicator of future closed sales, fell by 8.5% as mortgage rates reached...
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October 17, 6:30 PM
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When preparing to sell a home, homeowners often concentrate on curb appeal, fresh paint, landscaping, and the overall condition of the property. While all these factors matter, there is one room that deserves special attention before a home goes on the market: the kitchen.
The kitchen is more than a place to prepare meals. It is a central gathering space, a major component of a home's functionality, and one of the areas buyers frequently examine closely when deciding whether a property meets their needs. An attractive, well-maintained kitchen can help create a favorable first impression, while a dated, cluttered, or poorly maintained kitchen may cause prospective buyers to question the condition of the entire home.
For homeowners preparing to sell, understanding the kitchen's influence on buyer perception can lead to better decisions about cleaning, repairs, staging, photography, and renovation expenses.
But does a seller need to spend $30,000 or more remodeling a kitchen before listing a home? Not necessarily. In many situations, relatively inexpensive improvements can make a meaningful difference in how the kitchen looks and how buyers perceive the property.
This guide explains why the kitchen deserves so much attention when selling a home, which improvements may be worth making, which expenses sellers should think twice about, and how to present the kitchen effectively in an online real estate listing.
Imagine a prospective buyer entering a home for the first time. The living room is spacious, the bedrooms are attractive, and the floor plan is appealing. Then the buyer walks into the kitchen and sees worn cabinets, crowded countertops, dated lighting, and appliances that appear poorly maintained.
Even if the rest of the property is in excellent condition, the kitchen may become the feature the buyer remembers most.
Now consider a different scenario. The buyer enters a clean, bright kitchen with uncluttered countertops, attractive lighting, organized cabinets, and appliances that appear well cared for. The room feels welcoming and functional. The buyer can more easily picture preparing meals, entertaining friends, and spending time with family.
The difference is not necessarily the size of the kitchen or the amount of money spent on it. Often, the difference comes down to presentation, maintenance, and the overall impression the room creates.
Buyers evaluate homes emotionally as well as financially. They consider whether the property feels comfortable, whether it appears to have been maintained, and whether they can imagine living there.
A kitchen that looks clean, functional, and inviting can help support that positive impression.
A home is competing against other properties available to the same buyer. If two houses offer similar square footage, locations, and prices, the condition and appearance of their kitchens may influence which property receives more attention.
That does not mean a beautiful kitchen guarantees an offer. Buyers also consider price, location, floor plan, bathrooms, roof condition, mechanical systems, and many other factors.
However, the kitchen is one area sellers can evaluate and improve before listing.
One reason kitchens attract so much attention is that major improvements can involve substantial expense.
Replacing cabinets, installing countertops, upgrading appliances, changing flooring, improving lighting, and modifying plumbing or electrical systems can quickly become a major renovation project.
Buyers who encounter a dated kitchen may begin calculating what they would need to spend after purchasing the home.
For example, a buyer might like a property's location and floor plan but dislike the kitchen cabinets and countertops. Instead of simply evaluating the asking price, the buyer may mentally add the cost of replacing those features, along with the time and inconvenience of coordinating contractors.
That additional perceived expense can affect the buyer's overall impression of the home's value.
Sellers should understand that buyers do not necessarily deduct the exact cost of a proposed renovation from their offer. Some buyers are comfortable with older finishes, while others prefer a move-in-ready property. The effect depends on the buyer, the home's price range, competing listings, and the extent of the work needed.
Nevertheless, a kitchen that appears neglected or requires obvious repairs can create an additional obstacle during the selling process.
An older kitchen is not automatically a bad kitchen.
Cabinet styles and countertop materials change over time. A kitchen with older finishes can still appeal to buyers if it is clean, functional, well maintained, and appropriately priced.
A poorly maintained kitchen presents a different problem. Damaged cabinet doors, broken drawers, leaking faucets, burned-out lights, loose handles, and stained surfaces may suggest that the property needs more attention than the buyer initially expected.
Before spending money on a major remodel, determine whether the kitchen truly needs renovation or simply needs cleaning, repairs, and better presentation.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming that they must modernize every room before putting their property on the market.
A full kitchen renovation may be appropriate for certain properties, particularly when the existing kitchen is severely damaged, dysfunctional, or substantially below the standard of competing homes. But a major renovation is not automatically the best financial decision.
If the goal is to sell the home, the important question is not whether you would personally prefer a new kitchen. The question is whether a particular improvement is likely to make the property more competitive in its market.
Consider several potential approaches.
Option 1: Clean and organize.
This is usually the logical starting point. Remove unnecessary items, clean the cabinets and appliances, clear the countertops, and address odors or visible stains.
Option 2: Make minor repairs.
Fix loose cabinet handles, sticking drawers, dripping faucets, broken hinges, damaged caulking, and burned-out light bulbs.
Option 3: Update selected finishes.
Depending on the condition of the kitchen, fresh paint, modern cabinet hardware, updated light fixtures, or a carefully chosen backsplash may improve the room's appearance without requiring a complete renovation.
Option 4: Refinish or repaint existing cabinets.
If the cabinets are structurally sound, refinishing or professionally painting them may be less expensive than replacement. The suitability of this approach depends on cabinet material, condition, and finish.
Option 5: Undertake a larger renovation.
Replacing cabinets, countertops, flooring, or appliances may make sense when the current kitchen is significantly deteriorated or when market evidence supports the investment.
The best approach depends on the home's value, local buyer expectations, renovation costs, and the prices of comparable properties.
Before authorizing expensive work, compare the likely cost with the potential benefit. A seller should not assume that spending $25,000 on a kitchen will increase the selling price by $25,000.
Many sellers can improve their kitchen's presentation without undertaking a major remodeling project.
Countertop clutter can make a kitchen look smaller and less functional.
Remove mail, paperwork, small appliances that are rarely used, food containers, and unnecessary decorations. Keep only a few carefully selected items if they contribute to the room's appearance.
The goal is to let buyers see the available workspace.
In smaller kitchens, clearing countertops can be especially helpful because every available inch of space matters.
Grease, fingerprints, and accumulated residue can make otherwise attractive cabinets look worn.
Clean cabinet doors and drawer fronts thoroughly. Tighten loose handles and replace broken or visibly damaged hardware.
If the existing hardware is outdated, replacement may provide a simple cosmetic improvement. Choose a finish that complements the cabinets and other fixtures rather than selecting something solely because it is fashionable.
Lighting affects how a kitchen looks in person and in photographs.
Replace burned-out bulbs, clean existing fixtures, and make sure the kitchen is evenly illuminated. Where appropriate, consider updating old light fixtures or adding suitable task lighting.
Avoid overly harsh lighting or a mixture of bulb colors that makes the room appear inconsistent.
For listing photography, good lighting helps show the kitchen's layout, surfaces, and overall condition more clearly.
Small maintenance problems can distract buyers.
Inspect cabinet doors, drawer tracks, faucets, sink fixtures, backsplashes, and areas around the countertops. Repair minor problems where practical.
If there are signs of water damage, persistent leaks, or damaged flooring, investigate the underlying cause rather than merely covering up the evidence.
Cosmetic improvements should never substitute for addressing an actual maintenance problem.
Strong cooking odors, garbage, and neglected sinks can negatively affect a showing.
Remove trash, clean the refrigerator, wash dishes, and clean the sink and drain area. Avoid using strong fragrances to mask odors.
A clean, neutral-smelling kitchen helps buyers focus on the property rather than wondering whether there is an underlying problem.
These improvements are generally straightforward, but their impact depends on the condition of the home. They are best viewed as preparation for sale rather than a guaranteed way to increase the property's market value.
Today, many buyers begin their home search online. They may review dozens of listings before deciding which properties deserve an in-person visit.
That makes listing photography an important part of a home's marketing presentation.
A kitchen that looks attractive in person can appear less appealing in poorly composed or poorly lit photographs. Conversely, careful preparation and professional photography can communicate the room's layout, available workspace, finishes, and relationship to adjoining living areas.
Before the appointment:
A kitchen does not need to look artificial or completely empty. It should look clean, spacious, and functional.
Professional real estate photography can help present the kitchen's layout and features more effectively than casual smartphone pictures.
A skilled photographer can select appropriate angles, manage lighting, and capture the relationship between the kitchen, dining area, and living room.
This can be especially useful in homes with open floor plans, large islands, attractive cabinetry, or views that connect the kitchen to outdoor living areas.
Photography cannot correct a fundamentally poor layout or conceal legitimate property defects. Its purpose is to communicate the home's actual features clearly and attractively.
For sellers comparing listing services, it is worth understanding what photography is included, what it costs as an add-on, and how the finished images will be used in the online listing.
When buyers compare homes, they are not evaluating each property in isolation. They are comparing the available alternatives.
A buyer looking for a three-bedroom home might see several properties with similar asking prices. One may have a dark, cluttered kitchen. Another may have a clean, bright kitchen with attractive photographs and a practical layout.
The second property may make a stronger initial impression, even if the two homes are otherwise similar.
That is why sellers should think about the kitchen as part of a broader marketing strategy.
The objective is to make the home easy to evaluate and appealing to qualified buyers.
This includes:
An attractive kitchen is one part of the process. It works best when supported by appropriate pricing and effective marketing.
For homes marketed through Zillow and other real estate platforms, sellers should pay attention to how the photographs are displayed, how the listing appears on mobile devices, and whether the marketing presentation communicates the home's strengths.
Enhanced listing presentation options, including Zillow Showcase where available, may offer additional ways to display a property's photographs and features. Sellers should compare the actual features, eligibility requirements, and costs of any such service before deciding whether it is appropriate for their property.
This is one of the most important questions homeowners ask before listing.
The answer depends on the property and the market.
A renovated kitchen may help a home compete against similar properties with outdated interiors. In some cases, it may support a stronger sale price or help attract buyers who prefer move-in-ready homes.
However, there is no universal dollar amount that a kitchen renovation adds to a home's value.
The return depends on several factors.
Buyers shopping for a luxury home may have different expectations from buyers shopping for an entry-level property.
A kitchen that appears appropriate for one price range may look dated or underwhelming in another.
If comparable homes feature updated kitchens, an older kitchen may put a seller at a competitive disadvantage.
If most comparable properties have similar finishes, a costly renovation may provide less of an advantage.
Replacing a damaged, dysfunctional kitchen may be more important than replacing a perfectly functional kitchen simply because its cabinets are no longer fashionable.
Labor, materials, project delays, and unexpected repairs can make renovations more expensive than anticipated.
Sellers should consider the total cost, not merely the price of the visible materials.
Buyer demand, available inventory, interest rates, location, and pricing all influence a home's selling prospects.
A remodeled kitchen cannot guarantee a particular selling price or compensate for a home that is substantially overpriced.
The practical lesson: Before renovating, determine what buyers are paying for comparable homes and what condition those homes offer. Make improvements based on evidence, not assumptions.
Not every improvement is a wise investment immediately before selling.
Homeowners sometimes spend money on personal preferences that do not meaningfully improve the property's competitiveness.
For example, installing expensive custom cabinets may be unnecessary when the existing cabinets are in good condition. Replacing functional appliances with premium models may not make sense if buyers in the home's price range are primarily concerned with overall condition and value.
Other potentially unnecessary projects include installing highly personalized tile, choosing unusual colors, or undertaking structural changes without evidence that buyers will value them.
Before beginning a project, ask three questions:
If the answers do not support a major renovation, cleaning, repairs, and thoughtful presentation may be the better strategy.
Remember that sellers are not remodeling for their own long-term enjoyment. They are preparing a property for a new owner.
Arizona homes present several considerations when preparing a kitchen for sale.
In many Arizona markets, buyers evaluate kitchens alongside open living spaces, covered patios, pools, and other features that support indoor-outdoor living. The importance of each feature varies by location, property type, and buyer.
Bright kitchens can photograph well, particularly when natural light is balanced with appropriate interior lighting.
Neutral finishes may help a wide range of buyers imagine their own furniture and decorating preferences in the home. However, neutral does not have to mean plain or characterless.
Arizona's hot climate makes comfortable indoor conditions important during showings. Ensure that the home is presented at a reasonable temperature and that kitchen ventilation functions properly.
Desert conditions can contribute to dust accumulation. Clean window sills, cabinet surfaces, light fixtures, and other areas where dust may be visible.
If the kitchen opens to a covered patio or outdoor entertaining area, make sure the listing photographs communicate that connection when it is a genuine feature of the property.
Arizona is not a single real estate market. Expectations in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley may differ from those in Mesa, Prescott, Tucson, or smaller communities.
A seller should evaluate the kitchen against relevant local comparable sales and active competition, rather than assuming that one design style or renovation budget works everywhere.
Staging is not necessarily about buying new furniture or filling the kitchen with decorations. It is about helping buyers understand the space and imagine using it.
Start with the fundamentals.
Create visible workspace. Keep counters mostly clear and make sure buyers can see the available preparation areas.
Show storage. Organize pantry shelves and cabinets if they will be opened during showings. Remove excess items and keep the remaining contents orderly.
Make the dining area inviting. If the kitchen has an eat-in area, arrange chairs and the table neatly so the space feels usable.
Keep decorations restrained. A small plant, a simple bowl of fresh fruit, or a tasteful accessory may be enough. Too many decorations can distract from the room itself.
Clean appliances. Fingerprints on stainless steel, food residue inside a microwave, and a dirty oven can undermine the impression of a well-maintained home.
Pay attention to details. Straighten rugs, clean the baseboards, wipe down light switches, and remove visible personal items.
Prepare for every showing. A kitchen may look excellent during photography but lose its appeal if dishes accumulate or counters become cluttered again.
The goal is consistency. The kitchen should look as close as practical to its listing photographs when prospective buyers arrive.
Although the kitchen deserves attention, sellers should avoid spending so much time and money on it that other important areas are neglected.
Buyers evaluate the property as a whole.
A beautiful kitchen cannot fully compensate for a leaking roof, damaged flooring, poorly maintained bathrooms, serious plumbing problems, or an asking price that does not reflect market conditions.
Before listing, walk through the home as though you were seeing it for the first time.
Look for obvious maintenance issues, unpleasant odors, damaged paint, crowded rooms, and features that make the property feel smaller or less functional.
Prioritize repairs and improvements according to their importance, cost, and likely effect on buyer perception.
The best preparation plan balances the kitchen with curb appeal, bathrooms, bedrooms, flooring, lighting, and the general condition of the property.
Use this checklist before scheduling listing photographs or opening your home to prospective buyers.
Cleaning and organization
Maintenance
Presentation
Financial decisions
Completing these steps can help sellers prepare the kitchen without automatically committing to an expensive renovation.
Preparing a kitchen for sale is only one part of marketing a home successfully.
Once the property is ready, sellers must decide how to price it, how to present it online, which listing services to use, and how to manage showings and offers.
A well-prepared kitchen can support the marketing effort, but buyers also need an accurate listing, clear photographs, complete property information, and a price that reflects the market.
Sellers should understand their available listing options and compare the fees, services, and responsibilities involved.
Some homeowners prefer a traditional full-service arrangement. Others may prefer a flat-fee MLS listing that provides MLS exposure for an upfront fee while allowing them to handle some responsibilities themselves. The appropriate choice depends on the seller's experience, needs, budget, and the specific services offered.
For Arizona homeowners considering a flat-fee listing, it is important to understand exactly what is included, whether photography or a lockbox is provided, how listing changes are handled, and what assistance is available during negotiations and closing.
The kitchen may help attract attention, but the overall marketing plan and transaction process matter too.
The kitchen may be one of the most important rooms when selling your home because it combines visual appeal, everyday functionality, maintenance, and the cost of potential future improvements.
Buyers may pay close attention to the cabinets, countertops, appliances, storage, lighting, and condition of the space. The kitchen can influence how they perceive the property and how it compares with competing homes.
That does not mean every seller needs a complete renovation. In many situations, thorough cleaning, minor repairs, updated hardware, improved lighting, and professional photography are sensible first steps.
Before investing in major improvements, compare your home with similar properties, assess the condition of the existing kitchen, and determine which changes are most likely to make your listing competitive.
For Arizona homeowners, the most effective strategy is to prepare the kitchen thoughtfully, present the entire home accurately, price the property appropriately, and choose a listing approach that fits their needs.
A kitchen does not have to be brand-new to make a positive impression. It needs to look clean, functional, well cared for, and appropriate for the home.
When sellers combine that preparation with an effective listing strategy, they give prospective buyers a stronger opportunity to appreciate the property—and give themselves a better foundation for the selling process.
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October 16, 6:51 PM
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For years, Phoenix homebuyers could count on a familiar rhythm: The market heated up in spring, slowed in summer and stirred again in fall.But that familiar seasonal pattern is changing.
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October 14, 12:45 PM
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While the broader housing market struggles, that's not the case for high-end residences in Paradise Valley, where 40 homes have closed for more than $10 million so far this year.
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October 14, 12:41 PM
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TL;DR: Rates fell today, but new inflation data is likely to send them right back up.
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October 13, 1:09 PM
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Direct property buyers offer speed and certainty for homes needing repairs, unusual features or complex sales, helping owners avoid lengthy market delays.
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October 13, 1:07 PM
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ARMLS signed a HouseCanary data deal letting opt-in brokers show listings in a top Google mobile carousel above PPC ads.
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October 13, 1:05 PM
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The housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows...
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October 13, 1:04 PM
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Today, Promise Robotics, the company bringing physical AI to homebuilding, announced it is entering the Phoenix market.
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October 12, 1:34 PM
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Dig into the dilemma of whether it's financially better to rent or buy a home, and explore the pros and cons of each choice. -- Nobody was surprised when Morgan and her twin sister Lisa moved into identical houses right next to each other.
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October 12, 1:32 PM
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American families are sitting on record household wealth while quietly falling behind on their monthly bills, and the Federal Reserve's latest research reveals a troubling disconnect that growing asset values cannot fix.
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October 11, 9:42 PM
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With the 10-year yield holding at 5.35%, mortgage rates are 7.48%, spreads are 2.12% and pending sales fell to 54,060.
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October 11, 9:39 PM
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There are many ways to create generational wealth, and real estate is among the most established ways families have built it. Urban Institute research has tied homeownership to financial security, with property making up an important part of household wealth for many families.
