I would guess that you could advertise granite tile counter tops, but tile and a solid counter top are two different things in my mind. I would still prefer the granite tile to a laminate countertop. Just my opinion.

Tina - It would be deceptive and from what most buyers would want. There is a big difference between granite and granite tiles. Just my 2 cents. 

If someone comes to view the house expecting granite and they see the tiles instead of the full counter-top they will be disappointed - it always looks like you cut corners with the work.  Buyers will start looking for other corners that have been cut.  With the budget that she has for the whole house it sounds like you have the better solution and a buyer could more easily justify replacing laminate than granite tile.

I have also seen homes that advertise amenities only to have my buyer let down by the true product. In my experience this only upset the buyer and made them assume that if the seller truly believed what the agent was advertising then there had to be other things the seller was stretching the truth on. I would normally council my seller to put in whatever a buyer in that area would expect to find in a  home in that price range. If the sellers budget will not allow granite, though, I have seen granite tiled counter tops that looked very nice. Just call it what it is!

In our area, listings will almost always indicate "slab granite" or "granite tile". This is no different than the distinction between "hardwood" and "wood laminate" in flooring. There should be no cause for deception if features are described properly.

Tina, that's a toughie- except that if a buyer decides to replace the countertop, it would be less messy to remove laminate.  People equate the granite tiles as a wanna be granite that couldn't afford the real deal.  I put laminate in my kitchen with the idea that when I'm ready for the expense of granite, it's easier to install- I wouldn't consider the tiles.  Now, magazines are indicating that granite (specifically darker colors) is "out"...

Look into your solid surface, but not granite options.  Products like Silestone are growing in popularity and with the green movement, granite is losing favor.  There are more than 2 choices for countertops - even though most sellers forget that - explore your options and you may be able to find a cost effective and attractive option that does not require questionable wording choices.

The  main issue here is cost.  While the owner would LOVE to have granite, it is expensive.  Many people instead try the granite tiles....and as long as it is advertised as such, no biggie.  I just consulted on a house which had one island with granite-top and the remainder of the countertops were the same tile as the FLOOR!! Yikes.  And yes, the realtor put it in as granite in kitchen!!  Great. High-end home and misleading advertisement....irks me!!

Usually the word 'granite tile' countertops is used.  Kim has a nice suggestion with the Silestone however, the cost can be more than that of granite. BTW--Warm-colored Granite is still a preferred choice for many higher-end homes....the color Uba Tuba is what is out.  As a home renovator and Home stager, I am always looking for better ways to guide the seller and all I can say is....cheap looks cheap.  There is no getting around it.....and of course, like mentioned above, the buyers begin to look for more homeowner shortcuts!! 

Tina, I would gently advise the realtor to use the words granite tile in the listing if they choose to go that route...citing the possible disappointment from buyers if they see something less than what was implied or expected with 'granite coutertops'.  Good luck!  Regards-Kathleen

I think frankly it's misleading and it's not going to fool anyone. People get into the home and they will see it. That issue aside, granite is much more expensive than laminate. It's just feels better texture wise. But if it's going to be done terribly they might as well stick with laminate with the limited budget.

Cindy 

Tina you are absolutely right. It is wrong to advertise the real deal if it is not. I agree with Kimberly about silestone. It is becoming a popular alternative to granite. I would not go with laminate in a $500k home.

I'm in agreement with what 'Rolando the Realtor' said above.  As long as it's stated that it's granite tile and not slab it's not at all deceptive.  The promotional materials should state "granite tile counterops" so as not to lead people to think it's slab.  If done properly, granite tile can look fabulous...and going this route will certainly save the home seller money.

Nancy

It's better to say what it really is...granite tile,... or say nothing at all.

 Sometimes granite 'remnants' are an option if there is not too much countertop to cover. If there is room in the budget, that would be a nice upgrade.

Wendy Casey

Vancouver, BC

Agreed Wendy, Nancy, Rolando, Cindy and others.....

Tile might be a four letter word, but it's accurate.  I don't believe that any amount of fabulous marketing is worth a dime if it sets false expectations for your buyers.  One disappointment in a house these days, and they're out the door!  Tell the truth, the granite tiles still have that sexy look, and no one will feel let down or worse....spoofed!

Just my two cents, with Cheers! from DC...

   Jaynee

Granite countertops can be very costly and I think can also be a very personal design choice for certain buyers. If the counters are NOT THAT AWFUL I always recommend changing things like flooring, lighting, etc. These make huge differences and help keep costs down. Houses have still sold with these other changes.

I only recommended granite once because the owner was a builder and had access to remnants and cheap labor, also his counters were pink laminate. The house sold!

Phyllis Pafumi 

If you have to use tile get the really big 16" square ones, not the llittle 4".  There are less seams, it can look rich, have the grout match the tiles, it will float as one piece better. 

And yea, it should read granite tiles.

Let us know what gets decided - it will be interesting to know.

Good Luck,

Becky