Do I have to use new appliances?

Question

Hi all,

I just found my potential flip and now need to decide on appliances. Can I get by on "like new" or should I pay up and get new appliances for the kitchen. I was thinking everything except the frig since most homes here are not sold with a frig. Thoughts?

Brenda B. · Answer

I think that as long as the appliances look new then that's all that matters. Of course, if you want to advertise new appliances then they need to be new. We found a dishwasher at our local Restore/Habitat For Humanity warehouse -it still had the plastic lining on it and is still being sold in stores for over $800 but we paid $150. We also bought a stainless frig that would have cost us $2k off of Craig's list for $400 and a $1800 washer/dryer from FaceBook for $500. (Originally we were going to flip but we are now going to become landlords because we learned we can get much more per month than we realized-so I'm glad we didn't buy new appliances.)

Sam Bates · Answer

@Linda Young This is personal preference and depends on the flip (sales price, neighborhood, profit of deal, etc.) I would recommend new appliances on almost all flips because they will help the property sell quicker plus it's another wow piece to your deal. However, if it is a lower end property and the comps do not support new appliances it might not be necessary.

Letitia Harris · Answer

On my latest flip, I tried to use used appliances.  It wasn't a high $$ neighborhood, so this would be the house to do it on.   Turned out the dishwasher was too old (couldn't get replacement kick plates), the beautiful stainless gas stove / micro set I picked up for a song that worked at the sellers home, somehow were trashed when we went to install them.  The appliance repair guy said the stove wasn't worth trying to repair.  Lesson learned, ONLY new from now on, from the get go...  That fiasco cost me approx. 400.00.

Linda Young · Answer

Thanks all for your replies! I found a good sale at Home Depot so went with new. It was only $1100 for range, microwave and dishwasher.

I have been checking the Rehome Store, Craigslist, etc for deals esp flooring. Trying to save where I can!

Tamara Elliott-Deering · Answer

It depends on the appliance in question. If you have a stove that is relatively new and is clean go ahead and reuse it, same for micro-hood. I always put in new dishwashers though - and again only advertise appliances as new if they really are. Also, finish is what really matters, most buyers today think they want stainless steel but don't limit yourself to that if a different color fits your design better, I've used black and white appliances as well as stainless and it didn't hurt resale.

Do I have to use new appliances?

Most Popular Reply