Hellobee Boards

I hate ours. Not doing this in the new house. But I guess it's preferred over a countertop version taking up space.

We have a microwave over the stove and while I dislike it, it's not something that would sway my purchase of a home in the slightest.

I don't like microwaves- haven't owned one in my adult life and I don't miss it at all.
So it makes no difference to me.
But I realize mine is an unpopular opinion.

How big is your kitchen? Mine is tiny and if the microwave had to be on the counter, it would have stopped me from buying the house, because the kitchen would then be too small.

I agree with others that it depends. I also think most people who do a lot of cooking would prefer a real vent, while people who cook less would prefer the microwave. But I don't think it is a make-or-break thing for selling the house (unless someone is looking for universal design, as mentioned above).

As someone who has worked for a developer- it is a pro to have a designated microwave. The preferred place wouldn't necessarily be above the range for a lot of people, but I know that most potential buyers did want a microwave.

While I like that it is off the counter, I don't like them. Just the expense if it needs to be fixed or replaced is so much more than just a regular microwave.

I wouldn't NOT buy your house because of the oven/ microwave set up, but I don't think you should share all the issues you have had with yours. We had a similar set up at our old house and didn't have the same issues.

I think its more of a preference issue. Higher end homes will have built into a wall or island. Mid range homes may be over the stove.

@Mama Bird: Yes, if there are no other clear options, I would leave it put.

I think it wouldn't matter much in the sale of a home.

I've lived in homes with all different setups, and my favorite was having the microwave in a cabinet. The only necessary adjustment needed was an electrical outlet inside the cabinet. I loved that it was not visible or taking up counter space.

As a 5 foot tall person who doesn't own a microwave, I wouldn't care less. But those over stove setups are totally impossible for a short person - I can't stand them. But again, I don't even own a microwave.

Do you have a realtor you've used previously or plan to use? Or a friend who's in real estate in your area?

There were a lot of things we thought we HAD to do before we moved...some of the things we expected to be a big deal weren't, and some of things we needed to do we didn't expect.

Our realtor works closely with a stager, so she visited, gave us like a 9 page long list of recommendations, and then our realtor told us what was realistically worth the cost (removing cracked patio and putting in sod) and what we could probably skip on (all new/matching mini blinds).

It could depend on your area and price point.

Personally, we didn't upgrade our kitchen. We thought it was going to be a must, but the realtor said in our price bracket, we *might* break even. And then what if the buyer hated the choices we made? Sometimes it's better to leave it to the buyer to make the changes so they get exactly what they want.