I can't really give a brand recommendation, as we've used a mix of the main big box store brands (Whirlpool, GE, LG, etc) with no standouts or complete duds. We bought our current place with a mix of Whirpool and GE appliances. I didn't give a thought to the different brands as the colors were the same. So, to #1, I don't think keeping a consistent brand matters.

ETA: Actually, we did have a dud of an LG dishwasher. Bought it because we bought an LG fridge at the same time. The fridge was great. The dishwasher had a burnt out motor in a few months. It was apparently a known issue that was covered and rectified while still in the warranty.

Stay away from Samsung. My fridge died at four years of age I needed $500 service; my induction range died two months later I needed another $500 of service work. It went to the dump.

No way is JennAir a "luxury brand". Period.

And unless you are planning on selling within a very short time, don't worry about resale, get what works best for you.

Use a mix - "best in show" of each type of appliance within your budget. Different brands excel at different appliances.

All-one-brand-appliances originated with building developers buying appliances by the truckload. It's not only the cheapest method for developers buying for huge tract developments, but it also means all the measurements are the same from home-to-home, so quicker installation which also means cheaper. The all-one-appliance look will do nothing to make your home more attractive to buyers.

Frankly, unless you are buying top-end appliances like Miele/Wolf/Subzero/Gaggenau, the appliances won't affect your home sale as long as they're not wrecked, and are in good working order. If your home has Jenn-Air, which is a Whirlpool brand, it won't make people want your home more than they would have otherwise.

1) Appliance Consistency - Do you think most buyers will have a strong opinion on 1 single brand of appliance for the entire kitchen? In most of the new homes I have seen, they have the same brand for everything (ie. hood/stovetop/dishwasher, etc). Do you think this matter? Or as long as they are the same color scheme, it should be acceptable?

I sold my condo in our luxury building and none of the appliances except the cooktop and oven were the same brand. I'm talking very high 6 figure sale. They were all stainless steel and that's all that mattered. I chose the best for each appliance.

2) Appliance Brand - Both our real estate agent and builder suggested we install JennAir appliances for luxury/resale value.

Ok if she thinks so. JennAir is a mid range line.

My question to you is, this is your starter home, but what is the market for the townhouse you're building? I wouldn't put luxury appliances (Miele, Wolf, SubZero, Gaggenau, Thermador) in a condo that sells for under $200,000 and I wouldn't put basic appliances (Maytag, Whirlpool, Samsung) in a million dollar condo.

In between are tons of brands. Check on the appliance forum.

I would argue against getting a suite of appliances from the same brand. Brands have their strengths and weaknesses. As long as there's a cohesive look, it's fine.

You sound a bit clinical about all of this, if you don't mind me saying. I guess since I enjoy cooking and baking, and spend a good deal of time in my kitchen, my appliance decisions were driven by what my needs and desires were, not ROI.

Which, btw, don't count on. Buy what YOU like, not what you think someone else will pay for later, because that might never be the case. Also, think about where you live and what the micro real estate market will support.

Our neighborhood isn't a Viking and Sub Zero one, so we went with mid-range appliances that suited.

Best of luck, and have fun!

No way would the brand of appliances sway me between two properties, or convince me to pay a higher price. They are just too easily switched out in standard applications. I'm not talking really high-end, like built in refrigerators or espresso makers, but standard 30 inch stoves and free standing fridges that sit between a hole in the cabinets. Just get what works best for the way you cook or store food and enjoy using it until you decide to sell it.

We remodeled from the studs two years ago: Samsung fridge (that we already owned), KitchenAid dishwasher (very quiet and a good price), GE microwave (inexpensive, fit the space), Blue Star range (hubby's dream), Vent-A-Hood exhaust hood (best we could buy). They're all stainless steel.

I don't think I have ever had a "suite" of appliances... from the first house I owned to the kitchen that cost more than the first house, I have always had a mix of manufacturers.

Appliances never add value, but they can possibly detract. It sounds as if you don't particularly care about the specific function of the appliances (and that's a perfectly reasonable way to be, and puts you in the overwhelmingly majority). In that case, if a suite will save you money over mixed, I'd go for it. And if I go on the assumption that your RE agent knows what is appropriate for the market of your type of property, and she thinks something in the JennAir range is solidly in the middle, then I see no problem taking her advice - again, especially if you can get a deal on a suite. But as to the general question, no, I don't think buyers care if you have a suite or not.

Are the appliance rebates still sucky? About 3 years ago, right after our kitchen redo, I noticed that the rebate programs switched from giving you money/cash equivalent, to giving you things like a Vitamix.

Wolfe is not giving a Vitamix, just a blender. So even a worse deal.

You can even go with used appliances if you find some deals. A Miele dishwasher is an example that has worked for me.