We have a light beige colored formica in kitchen and beige marble in bathrooms. We will not replace either.

I can't see how it would make or break a sale mainly because it does go with everything and could be easily torn out and replaced by whatever the buyer wants or kept in! I keep it spotless with Mr. Clean sponges and it has very few scratches... Really nice condition. Accessorizing both so as to not make the counter tops THE only thing that buyers see, will be key here.

The thing is, if we started putting granite or other in this home, it wouldn't end at the kitchen... we'd have to re-do the floors, bathroom counters, etc. It could open a whole different can of worms -- cost thousands of dollars.

We live in a $250,000 home (appraised value -- we refinanced about 3 months ago). We have come to realize that buyers looking at homes in this range are okay with formica, marble and veneer floors.

We are very thankful that we came to this realization. If we'd have started going big-budget on renovating, we probably would have gone out of our buyer's budget and lost money and maybe even a sale! because we'd have to lower the selling price and probably not ever regain what we put into the renovations.

I am happy in this home. It is well-built (nary a crack in any walls), comfortable, neat, clean (for the most part!) and homey. Everyone who comes here comments on it!



Devinmom, I love the Design to Sell show. I get a lot of ideas from it! I think our home already looks like a lot of their *after* homes so I know that we're doing something right! BTW... it's nice to see you again and so sorry about the loss of your dad. You and your family have been in my thoughts.