Should I put appliances into an empty kitchen before selling?

Question

I bought a discounted off-market home that needed some fresh carpet and paint before reselling. The quick flip will be done in about 2 weeks. The previous owners took their kitchen appliances (Fridge, stove-top range, and dishwasher) with them. Should I buy new appliances and have them installed prior to listing the home? Will the house sell quicker with appliances?

The house is located in a quiet neighborhood outside of Pittsburgh. House will be listed for $70k.

Kyle J. · Answer

As a guess, I’d say put in a dishwasher and stove but not the refrigerator. However, to get a better idea, ask a Realtor in the area familiar with local buyers’ expectations.

Daniel Harrison · Answer

FHA buyers would require the house to be livable upon the sale date...which means at least a stove to cook food.  So you may ultimately end up stocking the kitchen with appliances anyway.

Jonathan Greene · Answer

Who are you trying to sell to? If you did a lipstick flip to sell to investors, like an upgraded double close wholesale because it was a good deal, then you might not need it. But if you did the quick flip to attract new homeowners, which it sounds like you did, then I would definitely put them in. If you clean the place up and mini-flip it and don't add appliances, they will try to get that money back somewhere else in my opinion. It looks better, even on a small flip, to have a full kitchen. Buyers are used to associating no kitchen or missing appliances with REO or short sale and you want to make the most and not lump in on those.

Kyle J. · Answer

I assumed he was going to list it with a Realtor since it appears he lives in California and he's going to be selling a house in Pennsylvania. Usually you'd speak with some Realtors in the process before listing with one.  Why not ask them their opinion?  After all, they're the local experts.

Just my two cents.

Theresa Harris · Answer

@James Dolan  Appliances should be on sale now or get a gently used set. Simple and basic. At that price point it will be an investor or a starter home and it is one less thing the buyers need to worry about.  Add a little bit to the price or don't include the appliances on the listing just use them to stage the home.  Even if it just helps sell the place faster, time is money.

Account Closed · Answer

@Kyle J. good eye for details:)

Account Closed · Answer

@Kyle J. good advise in general. I would not advise someone go ask a realtor in the area unless they are going to list it with the realtor. Realtors don’t work for free and the could put a lot of pressure to get a listing.

Should I put appliances into an empty kitchen before selling?

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