Thanks for the response, Lisa!

Yes, "green" was the in trend. Corian counters were also big. They have a new translucent line that is kinda cool (featured on their website)...makes me feel like I'm at custom hotel or something lol.

I'm curious. What types of materials were you seeing in at the kitchen/bath show, Lisa? Was there any abundance of "green" materials?

When I do decide to buy, I would rather get a place that has not been recently remodeled so I can customize it to what I want. I'll be looking at the bones of the house and how well it was cared for.

My big pet peeve is how overdone granite and travertine have become. There were so many flip houses around here in the last few years and they all seem to have the same upgrade materials. Granite may actually be a liability here in LA where everyone wants the latest trends and granite is starting to be considered dated (the 2008 kitchen/bath show had approximately 15 model kitchens and only one had granite).

I have read that in a declining market, making expensive upgrades just for increasing the selling price doesn't usually pay off.

Yes. I've heard about being able to do the stainless steel cover. : )

I think the professional photography is a definite must. I did all my own photos. Although I don't technically consider myself a "pro", I do take photos as part of what I do as a freelancer, so I felt quite comfortable with that.

I hear you. Then maybe 'design on a dime' would be what you need, haha. I saw some tricks on there where you can buy a sheet of stainless steel and cover your old dishwasher for the same look. Beyond that there IS always staging.

Ive also wondered a lot recently about having home professionally photographed, which could be up to $300, but considering the amount of buyers who shop on the net, it could draw in more buyers to take a look.

Thanks, Zach.

The move-in ready look is the vibe I'm getting for what most people are looking for. But I guess besides the pricing, I wonder about the appearance of the home because this market is so fierce for sellers right now. The homes that I have seen sell aren't just move-in ready, they look beyond immaculate - new kitchen finishes, stainless steel appliances, staged furniture, etc.

Funny some of the shows on HGTV, like Hidden Potential or even House Hunters, where they show the owners what could be, or the realtor is trailing behind "that can be changed", etc.

They gave a blurb on screen the other day that only 15% of people remodel within 2 years of buying.

This being said, my opinion is that a place that is 'move-in ready' will sell and sell for more and faster. But thats where it should end if you are planning to sell. You dont necessarily need stainless steel or whirlpool baths but it needs to be something where the buyer doesnt have to immediately be tearing up and remodeling, just to not be embarrased when their relatives show up.

Mgmtmom and Timothy. Thanks for your comments.

Some great article links, by the way.

Anyone else? I'd love to hear more opinions. Keep them coming...

If you are looking to sell immediately then don't remodel. Many times the buyer will remodel the kitchen and bath themselves so it will be money wasted. If you are thinking long term sale then kitchens are definitely the place to put your money.

Here are a few more options.
http://www.charlesandhudson.co...

People often make dramatic changes to their homes while preparing to sell and then comment, "Gee, it looks so good, may we should stay." In today's market, with reduced ROI, maybe they should.