Yikes...I'd get Rustoleums countertop paint and paint those countertops. They're too (LOOK AT ME!). But, your agent knows best.

Just wondering what are you wanting the paint suggestion for since you already say you are painting the walls a light beige. Are you speaking of the cabinets or...? As for the countertops, the Rustoleum countertop product is an easy, low cost way to get them looking better. Also, changing out the hardware (from Lowes or Home Depot) on the cabinets can update the look as well for not a lot of money.

The kitchen is charming! LOVE the french doors.

Look or Bobbi P. in Design Dilemma. She used the RO paint on her counter. Thee are pictures on that thread and a link to the colors. (Have a soft spot for Rust-Oleum. My dad worked there for 30 years and they are really nice people.)

Or in a small kitchen, laminate counters won't cost a lot and will make a huge difference. So will new hardware. Get rid of the shiny brass. Replace with something bronze-ish. Good luck!

lexiek - you did post this before, and I commented on it, and I can't find it either! Cue the X-Files music here!!! Anyway, what I suggested was: I love the countertops just as they are. I would throughly clean them, make them shine, and add red accessories for that "pop". I would replace the sink, dishwasher and fan hood with stainless, and replace the faucet with something really WOW.

I love Benjamin Moore's Brookline Beige, Bradstreet Beige or Brunswick Beige - depending on how dark/light you want to go. We have used them all in our house or in rentals and they always look great!

I would stick with a fresh white on the walls with the teal counter tops and white appliances. I would suggest changing out the kitchen sink to stainless as the present ivory one looks mismatched with the white dishwasher.

The kitchen looks dated. With new paint, it will look dated with a new coat of paint. The cabinets appear to be in pretty good condition and aren't that bad. The counter top is another thing. Replace the top even if you go with the prelaminated stock tops from HD or Lowe's....they will look better than the verdie green. I would go with something along the lines of a dark color, brown or granite looking.....add some oiled bronze hardware and you've got a new look for a cost that is under $750. Add a ceramic tile back splash and new paint (under a $1000) and you've got an entirely new look. Add a new sink, faucet and stainless steel appliances and you've got a kitchen that will not only provide you a positive ROI it will help sell the house.

Kitchens are one of the two spaces in a house that can make or break it for a buyer. If I was looking at your house as a buyer, I would be looking for a price reduction or replacement allowance for the kitchen and the appliances.......

I disagree with your agent's advice, unless you're just wanting to get rid of the house and are dumping it on the market at a below market price. If you're wanting to maximize your price, then you've got to compete with the other homes available on the local market. Do your homework, take a tour of home for sale in your area and see what the asking prices are and what kind of condition you find in the kitchen and the bathroom..........then make your plans.

You did not tell us what price range the house is and the others in the neighborhood. If you have a website you can go to to look at other houses that are for sale in your neighborhood or close by, look at them to see what the competition is. There is a program on TV called " designed to sell" that might also give you some pointers. If you are in a higher end market and everyone has updated you should do some updating too. A lot of people have gotten spoiled when there are a lot of houses on the market - they just do not want to do anything when they move in. One of the principles of designing your house to sell is to use neutral colors. If you leave the green, there are some people you will not be selling too - 1. Those people who do not like the color green 2. Those people that want an up to date house. You might want to even consider granite if you are competing with people who have granite - you will only know if you check out other houses in your area. If you do just use the same type countertop, Lowes usually has someone who can help you order the right size, a kitchen designer. You have to make an appointment with them. They have some sizes already in stock. They may even be able to recommend someone for installation if you are not handy. Choose a neutral color.

Definitely change the hardware. If the sink is scratched and you cannot get the scratches to be hidden, I would replace. Porcelan frequently is scratched or chipped.

You did not show us the other rooms; but if there is any wall paper or borders, remove them. Most people do not use those in 2012 and they don't want the work of removing them. They are also too personal color wise. When people move into a house they do not want to have to replace furniture to go with the color scheme of the new house so that is why neutral colors are best.

I think the whole kitchen will look new if you replace the counter top with granite or quartz, and also replace the sink with stainless steel one

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful suggestions. We are going to paint, change sink and faucet, of course the hood, not sure about countertop yet. I don't know price, hasn't been appraised yet. I am going to ask a neighbor about seeing their house, that is the only one that has changed owners and Dad had said it was very nice inside. Anyhow, will try and remember to post before and after, love the website and grateful for suggestions!

I think you are on the right track. Buyers will notice an out of date counter top, so think about it.

I recommend you spend an hour looking at the MLS listings on line for your neighborhood in Indiana. The comparables may have new kitchens or maybe not. Each neighborhood is different. If the neighborhood normal now is granite countertops and stainless appliances, then you'll need to price this house accordingly lower.

What is really striking in the kitchen photos is the green laminate countertop. If your budget stretches that far, I'd replace it with a light neutral classic laminate such as cream, but only if the neighbors' houses have similar laminate countertops. Make sure any new faucet feels solid, not cheap.

It will be easier to find an off-white (think French vanilla ice cream) that goes with the lovely warm honey color of the oak than to find a tan that goes with it. Many buyers prefer off white to tan because tan is harder to paint over later.

Add some large cheerful artwork and some colorful new kitchen towels when you are finished.

thank you. I am hoping to go over and catch the neighbors tomorrow, if not next week.

Kitchens sell homes - people will have a hard time accepting the countertops. Today's buyers are fussy and don't want to renovate; they want move in ready to go. Get the Rustoleum Countertop refinisher product and follow the directions. Remove the old shiny brass hardware...so very dated and add something new and contemporary. The cabinets are not so bad and new hardware will change the look - pick out 4 or 5 that you like, bring them home and try one at a time on a cabinet to see what looks best. It really can update a kitchen for little money. I'd make sure the sink is sparkling clean and if the faucet is bad - replace it. Because there are no appliances, take down the ugy white range hood. So the house is not entirely beige - find a neutral contemporary color for the kitchen wall; perhaps a pale grey-blue. Hang a unique art print somewhere on the kitchen wall and "if" there is a table in there (couldn't see one) add some fresh flowers and set the table like you would be having dinner.
Staging sells homes - the prospective buys can then see themselves living in this home!