Does the Brand appliances matter?

Question

Peace. Flipping a home and now it’s time for me to purchase kitchen appliances. Does the brand of appliances matter or as long as it’s stainless steel? I have quartz countertops and the home will be on sale for $320k when complete.

Nicole Heasley Beitenman · Answer

I wouldn't lose sleep over it. No one is going to walk into a house and think, "This home is the right lot size, right number of bedrooms and bathrooms, right street in the right neighborhood with the right schools, right layout, and right garage size, but it has a Whirlpool washer and dryer, and I really like Maytag. We'll pass."

Obviously, in an A-neighborhood, it's gotta be fancy. If it's not an A-neighborhood, just make sure it's new, works well, and looks nice.

Teri Feeney Styers · Answer

@Simon Obas I have even mixed brands based on cost and availability (there is an appliance shortage right now) and it can be cheaper than "suites". As long as the colors match (stainless steel can have variations) and they are obviously new then that has always been good enough in my area. Dishwashers seem to matter the least. Choose a fridge size that is logical for the size of the home and the number of anticipated occupants. Gas stoves are an appreciated upgrade - but if gas isn't available then go for a flat top electric. I generally try to install a micro-hood if the cabinet configuration allows.

Arsen Atanasovski · Answer

I would suggest the bundle packages at the big box stores that will give you the best deal, also you can put it on our card and not pay interest for 12 months! You will have that flip sold by then and just pay off the card.

Mike Mosee · Answer

Remember independents will match any big box store price if given the opportunity, have better expertise, & more likely to have in stock.   Samsung says how low can you go in the appliance world.

Mark Cruse · Answer

I tend to always go for the brand name that everyone recognizes. I get the entire suite from either a wholesaler or box box store. At best, it may be a few hundred dollars difference. In rehabbing. haggling or cutting corners on $200 isn´t worth a lot of thought or make much of a difference on your bottom line.  It´s simple things like that which could influence someone that is on the fence in convincing them it´s not some half-ass rag tag renovation with low quality. I reduce rehab costs with things that impact thousands of dollars like getting the right numbers, funding terms and contractors. I also reduce costs through timeliness and proper execution of the project. Imagine if you get your project down in 4 months as opposed to 6. That could be thousands of dollars not $150. For appliance brands I still stick to Kenmore, GE, Samsung etc.  Lately, depending on the type of rehab I have not been including a washer or dryer. It has harmed nothing to this point but saves me $1,500 a pop. But like I said it depend on the characteristics of the project.

Charlie MacPherson · Answer

@Simon Obas It depends on the rehab.  For a property that's entry level or even mid-market, not so much.  Here, I'd look at whatever matches (I like the same brand and finish) that's most affordable.

Here's a good article on most reliable appliances: https://blog.yaleappliance.com... and on the least reliable: https://blog.yaleappliance.com...

For a mid to high end property, yes, those choices matter a lot.  The kitchen is generally the first part of the house that buyers look at, followed by the bath(s).  Here, I'd be looking at Wolfe, Sub Zero, Viking, etc.

The same holds true for the rest of the finishes - cabinets, countertops, flooring.  High end buyers want to see high end finishes.

Does the Brand appliances matter?

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