I think that sounds like a great idea. Not everyone likes granite, and it would be a bummer if you put in a new counter and the buyers wanted to do a whole kitchen remodel.

How much do you trust your realtor? Being a former realtor, I would have to say trust what your realtor is saying, assuming they know what they are doing. If there are several similar homes for sale and they are all similarly priced to yours (within $10-12k), and they have granite and yours does not, then that's where the lack of granite will affect you. That said, however, I don't think installing granite will increase your home price, at best it will only help it sell faster or easier. Also, with granite, then comes the expectation of stainless appliances. Where do you draw the line? The answer is ultimately in what is the home market in your area? What is the price range you are going after (average, higher or lower compared to similars)?

I am not a realtor, but as a potential buyer I would prefer choosing my own granite so I think the granite allowance is a good idea.

The problem with the allowance is that some buyers, not everyone of course, want a ready to move in home, with no work to be done. If you are trying to sell your home as a turn-key home, then leaving an allowance indicates that there is work that needs to be done. I wouldn't leave an allowance if you want to present your home as "turn-key."

I'm for the granite allowance. For all you know the buyers will be replacing the entire kitchen.

If your Realtor suggests replacing the countertop now, I would consider doing it. Most buyers are overwhelmed at the thought of having too much to do at move in and can't envision the way the granite will update the kitchen.
Nothing too busy, in neutral earth tones. You'll most likely see the results of your "investment" in a faster sale and higher sales price.

Lenders will not allow a buyer to walk away from the closing with cash, the allowance would have to take the form of a credit for closing costs or pre-paids, payable at closing. That means a buyer will have to come up with the cash to change out the counters after they take possession.

Former Realtor here; I would NOT install granite in that kitchen and would not offer an allowance. I would recommend taking 80% of that stuff off the counters. If your Realtor is hesitant because of your decision I would suggest interviewing other agents.

It is Laminate. Also, I guess i should have said this earlier. Only if the buyer is ready to buy, but the granite is holding them back from purchasing will we do the allowance. I do agree if you put the allowance on there it looks like work needs to be done. We take care of our house very well. My husband is a fanatic. about everything. There is not one thing wrong with this house but granite. Our house is a beach home too. Some of our neighbors rent out the homes long term and short term. So, not all the houses have been remodeled.

I probably will take some of my things down too. Just one more Tupperware in the garage! Can't wait to move into a bigger home.

Clever Storage...I agree with the crown. Tried to get my husband to do that since we moved in! As well as putting the microwave over the oven. He just didn't want to put any more money in the house because we knew we weren't going to be in it long term. But, now he wishes he would have listened to me... lol

Ha! The crown should be pretty easy to do. You'll have to get one stained to match the cabinets. Since the crown is on a different plane if the color is a bit off, it should look fine. I think it would be a quick and easy touch to spruce it up, much easier than pulling the counters, which is doable, but much more of an ordeal.

True... I bet I could talk him into it this weekend. If I do, I'll post the new pics:)

Awesome! That'd be great to see some pictures!

I would not do anything. If the buyers want a new counter top, let them pick it out and install. Your choice of granite may be exactly what they hate!! Also, if the subject is brought up by a potential buyer, use it as a nego point.

I am a former Realtor, and have purchased a lot of real estate myself, and I think allowing a granite allowance is lovely! What if that home is someone's forever home and they hate neutral? I say offer the allowance.

I agree with rivers300. Don't do any renovations, just staging. Make all rooms as clean and uncluttered as possible. Even if it means packing ahead of time. I made a mistake doing renovations to sell and the house we were buying fell through. I wouldn't have made any more money. You may have a buyer that doesn't like granite. Don't make any allowances up front. You will probably get offers lower than the asking price and/or have to give closing help. Let those amounts be your allowances.

Clean off the area above the cabinets and the countertop and forget about a granite allowance. If all the other homes in your neighbourhood had granite then I would agree you should have it. You stated above that most homes don't and that they are rentals. At best save your hard earned money for your new home at worst use the money that you'd have spent in granite and take a lower offer if you have to.

Thank you for all your advice! Feel much better about it. We have had a lot of activity on the house and potential buyers too. We actually have a showing scheduled today! Yay! The two couples that were interested in buying were pre qualified but they wanted a pool. Our backyard is not big enough for a pool. They both had pool people come out and see if they could make it work. I am confident it will sell soon...

I would probably not want to have to live with someone elses choice of granite and vice versa, so I love the idea of the allowance.

Marcy Dancey hit the nail on the head.

Hi Janelle, This is a tough call. Yes adding granite to your house could assist in a quick sale & will add value to your home that you should easily get back once sold, however look at the comps in your area to see if they have this option?

If there are several homes in the area that feature existing granite, I would suggest leaving granite as allowance. With the option to personalize their purchased an allowance can be a good selling point, instead of purchasing a house that feature a color they might not care for.

On the other hand, if there are no comps that feature granite in your neighborhood you should consider switching. Go to your local fabricator/supplier and ask what colors are in demand. Make sure to select a color that can appeal to a majority of buyers.

Best of luck to you. If you have any questions about natural stone, feel free to ask!

Janelle, I wouldn't change the counters. The next person coming along might want stainless steel appliances to go with the granite..see where this is going? It's wonderful if you offer a new counter top allowance, then the buyers can choose as they wish.