For today's home buyer, the kitchen is typically the most important room in the house -- an area where form and function are equally important. Buyers view kitchens as an area that has many functions -- preparing dinner, sharing meals, sorting mail, paying bills, and generally hanging out.

A major kitchen overhaul probably doesn't make sense when you're ready to sell. But you'll want to do all you can to make your kitchen look its best. Some things you can do to make your kitchen shine include:

• Paint. Slapping on a fresh coat of paint is an easy, inexpensive way to brighten and revive any room. It's best to stick to neutral colors -- you never know what the preferences of potential homebuyers will be.
• Countertop. If your countertop tile is old, grungy or outdated, think about some new tile. This can be done pretty inexpensively, especially if you don't have a lot of counter space. Again, try to keep it neutral.
• Faucets. Get rid of that old stainless steel faucet and update it with a sleek, stylish replacement. Today's faucets come in a range of materials and colors.
• Accessorize. How about replacing those old boring knobs and pulls? Today's furniture hardware comes in every shape, design, and material imaginable. New hardware can pull a room together and give it a polished, clean look.
• De-clutter. You don't want bare counters, but try to leave the counters as open as possible. Hide away all the extra appliances, cookbooks, and paperwork that may normally consume your counter space.
• Light. Make sure blinds are pulled and that plenty of light is shining in the room. If your kitchen or informal dining area is next to a patio or courtyard area, make sure that view isn't hidden behind the blinds. Also, take the time to tidy up the outdoor area and perhaps add some potted plants or flowers that can be seen from the kitchen. If your kitchen is naturally dark, or you're selling during the wintertime, be sure you leave the kitchen lights on when agents show your home.
• Display function. If your kitchen includes a desk space where you house a computer, pay all your bills and answer your e-mails, don't feel the need to move the computer to make the area more clean and attractive. Buyers need to see how rooms can function.
• Appliances. Make sure all your appliances have been maintained and are working properly.

Remember; use common sense in presenting your home in the best way possible. The kitchen can often make or break an offer, you'll want plenty of light, a sense of order, and a room that is odor-free.

Alicia Naiman is a CA Realtor® and Real Estate Appraiser specializing in Folsom CA Real Estate.  For complete information about the Folsom, CA real estate market including a free list of current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Folsom CA Real Estate at http://www.livinginfolsomtoday.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than happy to answer them!

Call me at 916-502-4420 or email me at anaiman@connectrealty.com.