^^ i agree with @herbflavor - ruthlessly declutter and find a new place for the microwave, also a graphic rug would energize the space and distract from the tile. If you can get a dishwasher in there, i would do that (if it is expected in your market) I would leave the window alone and not add a venetian blind - the room has great natural light!

I agree with no window treatment and clearing the counters. You can keep one appliance out. Something in a bright color (red??) if you have it (or can borrow it!).

Also clear the top of the cabinets if you can. While I like the idea of the black cabinet hardware, I would not do it unless you can get it cheap.

Do not bother with the tile on the floor or the backsplash. A different runner (that coordinates with that colorful appliance on the counter) is fine.

If you can get a dishwasher installed in that empty space under the counter, that would be OK, but something functional, not top of the line.

I agree that you need to get listed yesterday. With rising interest rates and recession rumors, you want to be ready to go -- not waiting on projects while the market turns. The recession will come and go (they always do!), but interest rates will probably not drop back to the 3% range we have become accustomed to for a very long time.

In addition to cleaning and decluttering, stain the grout of the backsplash and floor with an epoxy grout colorant to make it look fresh and new and clean. Add on some battery operated under cabinet LED lights. And some natural material accessories, like wooden cutting boards, and a bamboo blind mounted at the ceiling that just kisses the top of the window. A sisal or jute rug, and some pretty waffle weave natural linen colored kitchen towels, and it is neutral and warm, without being the cliched attempt at a bad $1 update that would only get ripped out. All of the $100 of accessories get to travel to your new home.

What geographic location, roughly? Buyers' expectations vary depending on where they are.

1- add dishwasher (as above)

2- remove appliances and everything else from counters and tops of cabinets

3- have floor tile professionally cleaned

4- repair missing grout on tiles near the sink

5- replace caulk between backsplash and countertop

6- remove window grids to clean the windows inside and out, then put them back up.

Thanks, everyone - some great points made here.

Unfortunately, our microwave/grill combo oven doesn't fit in the microwave cabinet - we did try! (It's actually very heavy and I doubt the cabinet would hold it)

Also reluctant to spend money on a dishwasher that we won't use - we actually sold the one we had, and most people would bring their own if needed.

Ironically, the hardware is fairly new - I had some old-fashioned brass & ceramic handles before and thought they looked a bit granny-ish.

We are in Durban, South Africa, for those who wanted to know.

We will put the house on the market in August (our Spring begins in September) - we can't do much before then because of family commitments.

Cleaning up the grout, getting a new rug, and removing everything from the counters and cabinet tops is definitely do-able.

Thanks for info.

For a quick dry run that'll take 20 minutes, try removing the counter and cabinet-top items, put out a vase of flowers and take photos as if you are a real estate photographer. How does it look in photos?

You only need to move that microwave oven off the counter for the listing photos. Buyers will look at the photos before seeing the house, and it will look temporary when they see it in real life.

That also goes for the extreme decluttering, too. Be brutal for the photographer, add back judiciously afterwards, like the coffee pot and other elements of daily life. When you have a showing, shove all the countertop items into a big laundry basket or cardboard box and stick that in your garage or the car.

Cleaning up the grout, getting a new rug, and removing everything from the counters and cabinet tops is definitely do-able.

Agreed! You are then good to go!

100% what @Verbo said above. Just follow that to the letter and you will be set. You could also maybe add one small succulent plant by the window. It’s a nice kitchen. Best of luck.

if you cant put a small off the shelf microwave in that cubicle then remove it. thats what the cabinet is for..... I dont know why you say it cant hold weight. even a small lightweight cheap model is better than a void. people want to see how the space works..that the functions and things there are in working order..everything has a purpose etc..... at least thats what you would want here in this market to get a sale ...your best opportunity is always right away after first impressions. same thing w dishwasher void spot but you seem resistant. they will want a price reduction if that is not set up and they have to get one have it installed etc. if you have time just take care of it ,,,it will assist in quicker sale.

The only thing that I would add is to try to install some of the things that make your storage space more functional inside cabinets (if you don't already have them.) Things like pullout bins, shelves, even drawers; trash and recycling pullouts under the sink, drawer organizers, and so forth. Some of those won't work if your cabinets have face frames though. Ikea usually has lots of ideas at very moderate cost - not sure if there are any in your region.

Absolutely work to make sure that everything is spotless and in good repair. You don't want anyone coming in and getting the impression that it wasn't maintained and will need fixing.

I wouldn't do a thing except clear everything except one or 2 small items off the counters.

Nothing on the upper cabinets. NOTHING.

Then clean out all the drawers as much as possible.

Get a storage unit to store all those wonderful large tools you use to make food. Once you decide to sell your house, you need to stop thinking of it as yours and instead think of it as a model house. Looks great but basically not functional for daily living. ;)

Then clean everything so everything shines spotless. No spots, Not even a water spot.

Once you do that, I think you'll be fine to sell the house. Don't do stick on tile or anything that's going to look poorly. Not necessary.

Unfortunately, our microwave/grill combo oven doesn't fit in the microwave cabinet - we did try! (It's actually very heavy and I doubt the cabinet would hold it)

Then for now it goes to storage. I disagree about putting it back after the listing photos because anyone coming in and seeing that sitting on the counter, will think there isn't enough room on the counters or for a microwave.

Also reluctant to spend money on a dishwasher that we won't use - we actually sold the one we had, and most people would bring their own if needed.

If that becomes an issue, then you can offer a "discount" for the new owner to buy one. I don't think it's needed but honestly in today's world, it wasn't the best move to remove it. (BTW: A dishwasher cleans better and uses a heck of a lot less water than hand cleaning. FYI)

Ironically, the hardware is fairly new - I had some old-fashioned brass & ceramic handles before and thought they looked a bit granny-ish.

Your hardware is just fine.

Cleaning up the grout, getting a new rug, and removing everything from the counters and cabinet tops is definitely do-able.

And make sure all closets in the house are as empty as possible.

Make sure all door knobs, handles, light switches are immaculately clean.

Make sure sinks, faucets, etc are always immaculately clean.

Declutter furniture if you have a lot of it making rooms look smaller.

Clear the counters; bleach out the moldy stuff ; remove the curtain and install a dishwasher.