question for brokers/landlords

Yes - without question

Litter box should be made out of plastic.

greenberg, not helpful.

Chicken or liver? And do you deliver?

Cat scratching post should be made of carpeting.

Anyone else?

yes OP, renters will pay thousands of dollars more per year in rent (literally) to have stainless steel appliances over white appliances. stupid really.

Plush material is sometimes good.

Jim_hones10 i cannot tell if you are kidding?

no_cojones is kitten

not kidding. All other things being equal, management companies are easily able to charge more for a kitchen with stainless appliances.

Are we talking stainless vs plastic (ie for a fridge) or stainless vs. enamel (like an oven)? If the former, then there's no debate. No one likes crummy plastic fridge doors that get immediately grungy and are impossible to clean. If we're talking about a stove, there are some folks who actually prefer the 'retro' look of white enamel over the ubiquitous and boring stainless options.

1. Disagree -- real stainless fridge doors are smudge-magnets. Total PITA to keep good-looking. Except the very bottom end, white fridge doors are enameled textured steel -- much easier to clean, and look clean even when they're not.

2. We're probably talking good white enamel vs. grey plastic that's somehow supposed to look like stainless.

The dryer that collects the most lint would be a favorite of anyone with cats, regardless of the color of the machine.

People who watch HGTV look for two things in a kitchen: stainless steel appliances and granite counters. It is well worth the extra $500.

Ottawa - I think it's even worse. It seems to be the literal dealbreaker in many cases. Even if a place ticks every box, if it hasn't got granite and stainless then people will walk. Of course, this speaks to the fact that people still can't really afford to buy and don't have the $ to do $5k of upgrades after purchase but this also applies to rental where upgrading is not a possibility. In NY, I think the same also applies to parquet vs. hardwood.

Alan, I agree in principle. Stainless is less practical. Doesn't change the dynamic. I'd say on a scientific straw poll of 20 random Househunters episodes, 19 want stainless and granite/marble because the sheeple have been programmed to like stainless/granite because it's aspirtional/more expensive.

thanks all this has been very helpful!

Catboy -- be sure you understand national preferences (e.g. chicken) versus NYC preferences (e.g. liver). Or you'll have furballs all over you.

If you go with stainless, list as "1990s retrochic".

>thanks all this has been very helpful!

Welcome.

The newest trend is stainless and white (artic white) they say stainless is on its way out.

For the love of all that's holy, Catguy, please don't convert another rental kitchen to stainless/granite!

Not every renter is stuck in the 1990s. (And I couldn't stand that look then, either.)

Speaking as both a broker and a landlady, yes stainless is going to be one degree more rentable than classic white goods.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

all these comments are terrific. this is for a one bedroom in, of all places, chicago. So I dont mind it being a few years behind the times for us here in NY. I dont think I am going granite though. But would love suggestions for this. As for me, I have stainless and granite in my apartment so now I am embarassed (though it just sold so this will only for me for a few more months)
thanks!

I don't think the granite is actually that important for a rental, but stainless seems to be the new de minimus.

I can't believe the number of people who are actually answering this obvious question from Catguy as if there's some new insight to offer.
Spending 20% more - what's that $400 - seriously, what's the payback even if you only get $20 / month extra? So hard to figure this out.

Careful, those Chicago folks can be pretty stylish....

You might scroll through this (and all the comments), from two years ago already:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/beyond-stainles-147884

Lots more on countertops too, if you search that site.

MattNYC will doubtless advise you to use formica.

Catboy, it's a good thing you're cutting your losses on your Chicagmeow apartments.

Carefully study this important thread to learn why: http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/5332-check-out-these-amazing-chicago-condos

We got this at a fire sale from foreclosure. The kitchen is 35 years old. We do not want to gut renovate it but it needs a new counter. I am hardly investing a lot of money into it. But it should be nice. It is in a very middle class neighborhood that attracts an older community. Lots of retirees etc.

>We got this at a fire sale from foreclosure. The kitchen is 35 years old. We do not want to gut renovate it but it needs a new counter. I am hardly investing a lot of money into it. But it should be nice. It is in a very middle class neighborhood that attracts an older community. Lots of retirees etc.

Are you going to allow pets?