• Granite is an a type of real rock called igneous rock, which means it was once molten and it formed as it cooled deep within the earth. Different minerals within granite typically appear as small specks and flecks throughout the stone, creating the salt and pepper look in the counter top .

• Granite is extremely hard and durable, and practically scratchproof. It can be highly polished and shiny or finished in a variety of other ways. These countertops are easily cleaned because of its low porosity. Granite is available in a wide range of colors.
• Quartz --Unlike granite, you never have to seal or polish quartz .
  
• Soapstone --Soapstone countertops in your kitchen are a natural, non-porous material, which means it won't stain and isn't affected by chemicals, acids, temperatures, etc but is is darkened by mineral oil. For this reason, some people pre-treat soapstone with mineral oil.
• Pyrolave is enameled lava rock. This is a natural rock that has had an additional heat treatment finish applied.
• WilsonArt Earthstone : the look and feel of natural stone countertops.

Man Made Counter top surfaces include :

• Corian Solid Surface countertops is distributed and sold by DuPont worldwide
• Compac Marmol & Quartz
• SwanStone
• Formica Stone Natural Quartz Surfacing is a new material for kitchen countertops. It not only offers the elegant look and durability of granite and it's virtually maintenance free. Nonporous so there's nowhere for bacteria to hide. More heat resistant than solid surfacing and high-pressure laminate.

• Zodiaq Countertops quartz surfaces is a new category of surfacing material from DuPont made with natural quartz for interior use in homes and commercial buildings. More info
• Okite Solid Surface material is made in Italy . Okite is a specially developed quartz based stone surface material.
• Caesarstone is a man made stone with all the properties of natural stone.
• Ceramic Tile Countertops- Ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile can successfully be installed on all manner of countertops. Selecting the right backing beneath the tile is very important.

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numero
The Seller's Guide to the Buyers Eye

A strong tendency towards a sellers market will continue until the baby boomers finish the cycle of buying and selling real estate, estimated to end in 20 years, according to the Senior Real Estate Association. Baby boomers (born between 1946-1964) are in their peak years for real estate investment.
Real estate investments will continue to be lucrative throughout the cycle. The realtor and seller must work together to develop strategies to compete in this market. New construction is booming, and re-sells are competing with them. If a buyer looks at a house that needs work, they may assume it's available for a bargain price, the 'handyman's special.' Avoid this, and obtain the maximum amount for your home sale.

The Value of Obtaining a Home Inspection
There is a number 1 rule in selling real estate for the highest dollar. The seller should obtain a home inspection before putting the home on the market. An inspection will uncover hidden problems in the home before the buyer views it. If the seller waits for the buyer's inspector to inform him or her, the seller will either have to fix it or lower the price. In some cases, sellers lose the deal over issues uncovered at inspection. Sellers can waste 30-45 days during these negotiations, while the home could have been on the market for another buyer.

Curb Appeal
Remember, the buyer makes 85% of the decision about whether to buy a home when they first drive up . It's much more difficult to sell a house when all the shingles do not match in color, even if the roof is in good shape.
Exterior Cosmetics
Sellers need to make sure the house has curb appeal for a great first impression. Is the trim freshly painted? Replace rotted wood and eliminate any clutter outside the house. Make sure gutters are cleaned and are attached to the house. The roof should be cleaned of debris with no loose shingles. Be certain vinyl siding on the exterior is secured and in good repair.

Lawn, Garden, Shrubbery
The lawn, garden, and shrubberies are critical. Spend about $15-$85 for some plants and mulch for the front yard. If there is no grass, seed the lawn. Bushes must be trimmed and away from the building to prevent moisture damage. Cut the lawn regularly, and weed the garden.
Finishing Touches
Some finishing touches include placing 2” of pea gravel around the house between the bed area and the grass area for drainage. If the house has a gravel driveway, put fresh gravel down. Check all outside wood for termite or moisture damage that needs to be replaced and treated.
Interior Painting
Paint your house in neutral colors: sand, magnolia, cream. Rooms look best with a yellow tinged base paint because this coloring reflects light and makes the room seem larger. Avoid black ceilings, stenciling on walls, or painting your home in white so it resembles a hospital maternity ward. If there has been a previous leak in the roof paint over the water stains on the ceiling. Fill in any nail holes in the walls.
Flooring and Windows
Bold patterned or bold colored rugs should be removed. It's best to keep the floor coloring neutral for to appeal to many tastes. If there is cracked ceramic tile, or the vinyl floors are scratched or damaged, replace the flooring. Rugs must be freshly shampooed to remove any odors, and carpet holes and stains should be repaired and removed.
Windows need to be cleaned and repaired so buyers can look outside unencumbered. If the blinds are missing slats replace them or remove window coverings altogether.
Bathrooms/Kitchen
In the kitchen, you may want to put a fresh coat of paint on painted cabinets, or if they are wood-- oil them. Check the countertops for burn marks or stains, cut marks, etc. and replace them if it is necessary.
In the bathroom, make sure there is no visible mold. If there is, then bleach, caulk, or re-grout tubs, sinks and toilets.
Details
All clutter should be boxed up and stored. Do not place it in the garage. Obtain a storage unit or Pod.
Make certain closet doors open and close easily. Don't forget to replace doorknobs, hinges, brackets, or other missing or broken items.
This may sound like a great deal of work in preparing a home for the market. This attention to small details will help your home sell quickly for a higher price. In some areas of the country, you'll even receive multiple offers for your home. Home buyers are not the only ones who look at these details. Appraisers also tend to assign a higher value to property which is in good condition.

If a property needs attention an appraisers price or buyer's offer will reflect it. Obtain the highest price for a home by investing some time, thought, energy and resources into the details and you will be rewarded handsomely.

About the Author

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia.