We Gave a Real Estate Expert $50 — Here’s What She Bought for a Kitchen at Costco

I want to present you with a fun fact today. Did you know that Costco, everyone’s favorite members-only big box wholesale warehouse, is one of the country’s most successful pizza chains? It’s true — they rank just outside the top 10 on the national list, with 600 stores slinging pies inside. And you can order it to go, which means you can spend some time shopping for kitchen wares in the store, then head home for a spruced-up Costco pizza party.

If that sounds like your dream — and you’re considering selling your home — than this is the guide for you. Costco pizza is inexpensive, and outfitting your kitchen for a sale should be too. So I combined the two, and asked an expert: If we only gave you $50 (Surprise! We slashed last year’s $100 budget), what would you buy at Costco to stage a kitchen? Here’s what Beatrice de Jong, real estate broker and consumer trends expert at Opendoor, would get.

“Candles not only add a nice scent, but they also provide a touch of ambiance, which is often overlooked in kitchens. As a broker, I recommend stacking these on a wood tray with a small plant on your countertop. This will add much-needed warmth and comfort to help prospective home buyers envision themselves in the space.”

“Hanging fun patterned or colored hand towels near your oven or by the sink adds a pop of personality — especially if your kitchen is lacking color. Again, this is a great opportunity to make a staged home feel ‘lived in.’ While small, hand towels can pack a big punch.”

“To give a kitchen a quick facelift, updating cabinet handles and knobs is a cheap way to make a huge difference. And contrary to popular belief — mismatching the type of metals you use throughout the kitchen adds texture and interest. For example, if you have silver faucets, I would suggest using gold knobs.”

Allison Chase, a real estate agent at Keller Williams North Shore West in Libertyville, Illinois, noted that stagers on her team also aim for towels and trays when shopping at Costco. “We bring in white or blue hand towels, a wooden tiered tray with lemons, and some fake plants,” she says — all of which can also be found cheaply at Costco.