Should I whitewash?

last year

I have a small cottage/cabin that I’m selling in a rural area (lakefront). The idea is to move the bathroom door over to make an L shaped kitchen with new cabinets (yes I know its kind if gross to have a bathroom here but there’s no other option). The realtor said light and bright is definitely selling more so I’m wondering if I should whitewash the tongue and groove pine walls that have turned dark. The wood has nothing on it so would be easy. Also, what colour kitchen cabinets? Top picture is my attempt to picture what it would look like

Featured Answer

John Liu

last year

I would spend $100 on a much brighter ceiling light fixture. A single bare bulb - maybe that has something to do with why it looks dark?

I would also declutter and do a deep clean, including the walls and floors.

Spending more money than that is probably a bad idea because it isn’t likely you’ll get more that you spent back in a higher price, especially net price (after commission and taxes).

I mean, a bad idea *for you*.

Having their seller clients spend money on a for-sale house is always a good idea *for the realtor*, who doesn’t bear any of the cost but may get a higher commission and an easier sale - or may not, but then no harm *to them*.

I think that when a realtor advises a client to spend $X on pre-sale renovations, the client should offer to calculate the realtor’s commission on the selling price less the renovation cost.

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Comments (6)

cat_ky
last year
I would leave it alone. Someone will come along that will absolutely love that wood, and if they dont, they will paint it the color they choose themselves. Whats most important is to clean it , declutter, and make sure it stays spotless, and price it right, and it will sell. Some people really love all the wood.
porkchop_z5b_MI
last year
^^ What cat_ky said. Leave it alone. Especially the change in configuration and adding new cabinets. You'll likely not recoup your money from that.
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PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
It would look fab painted and that would eliminate the clash with the fake wood floor. That said, probably not worth you doing. Reverse the swing on the fridge, remove all the uppers ( so mismatched) get a hood and some floating shelves, add a much larger nicer island from ikea or Wayfair. Yes and a light.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
Here is my cottage in maine with painted pine. Love it. I grew up in maine and knotty pine is everywhere so I can’t abide it.
pudgeder
last year
It's a lovely cabin!

If it doesn't sell, it won't be because the floors aren't whitewashed.

Totally agree w/John Liu, and the 1st 2 posters.

Leave it as is, and let the new owners decide what to do.