Kohler tub/shower module for the master has built-in grab bars and its own walls and ceilings (for old age and easy care). Lasco tub/shower module without the grab bars and lesser quality for the guest bath which will get less use. Toto toilets (see Terry Love's plumbing website and learn about them; they're among the best; prices vary) Kohler faucets throughout the house (ratings usually higher than Moen; less pricey than Hahns Grohe, etc). Look for quality construction: solid brass innards with ceramic disc valves. The rest is styling and finishes. Chrome is most durable finish with PVD still unproven over the long haul but expected to rival or exceed chrome. Trying to stick to one manufacturer for simplicity and possible better discounts. Avoid Price Pfister due to reliability problems.

I bought my pulls from Knobs4less.com. They had the best prices that I could find, and they emailed and called me when my longer pulls were on backorder. I had free shipping and a good experience. I bought my cup pulls on ebay for about $1.60 per cup. I am very pleased with the quality. (I first bought a sample) I also have hardware that I bought at Menard's that I have had no problems with. The brands were Liberty and Belwith. I check the bags carefully because I once brought home a "newer" version of the hinge I was looking for, though it had the same product number, the style was just slightly different. I had to dig through the bin to find the same packaging as my match. I was relieved that there were enough of the same.

I hit 30 days tomorrow with 2 showings and 2 attendees at an Open house. No offers. Comments from realtors - shows well. Buyers, too small, concerned about the curve. Open house the 10th. My house is listed at 295,000. I have discussed a price reduction with my realtor and she thinks we should go directly to 285,000. I am going to agree because that's as low as I'm going to go so I might as well just go there. I have lined up appts with two property managers and will try to rent if it doesn't sell in 90 days (or less a rentor shows up and I can convince my realtor to let me out of the contract.) The market has not picked up here, tons of new construction glutting the market as well as a huge inventory of existing houses owned by people no doubt wishing they could sell so they could buy one of the new homes:) I don't hold out much hope and I will already be losing money, unless I can't find a rentor (which might be a problem too). (FYI, house is less than 2 yrs old in Nebraska so there's not been any appreciation) I have a question about timing: once you've determined to lower the price - should it be immediately before during or after ???? an Open house? when the real estate booklets come out? or doesn't it matter?

I wonder if part of this feeling is due to the very polished and elegant styles of so many of the new kitchens--maybe compared to a slightly more vintage, country, or casual look ? I noticed this same issue in decorating styles for other rooms--once you go a certain style and type of materials, then something a bit worn, or using a mix of finishes, don't "go" as well. Similarly, certain color schemes are more tolerant of random colors than others. So you just have to be aware of how that will play out in the smaller details and accessories. I noticed that in trying to see which direction to go for certain decorating choices in my home, I was going to be more comfortable with a little more casual and eclectic style because it didn't seem to demand such careful matching. I'm trying to keep this in mind when collecting my kitchen wish file because I think my "inspiration kitchen" will need to combine some upscale and updated features and materials but not be too dressy. Or maybe just try to identify some of those classic features that go with most everything. I don't advise taking this idea so far that you don't get the kitchen you like--the overall look and feel is the most important, not dressing it down terribly just so all our old pots will feel at home! I'd love to be instantly transported into a much nicer kitchen with all my existing stuff than keep my current dowdy one that will never outshine the oldest pot. But just that one choice influences another, and so forth. A concept very well known on this forum! Plus, the idea previously mentioned, that it just takes some time to get used to it, means that some of this stuff doesn't really stand out as much as we might think--it's probably more glaring to the survivor of the kitchen renovation than to guests.