I know on my new builds that are 700 to 1 mil I get 10 to 20k and normally its just held in escrow. it is non refundable once we start putting in custom colors etc.

Like a Dave Ramsey book on budgetting that should just say if you don't have the money don't buy it on the first page and then you can include crayons or for an extra $20 magic markers with coloring book pages.  

Basic economics of supply and demand along with affordability have always been in play but people think real estate moves like stock market, so if they do not see it coming down they are like "told you so" then will be like "well it was 2 years later". 100% right, people with no skin in the game will share an unbiased opinion. 

I did bring up the noise issue, but it didn’t matter because we were both seeing everything through rose-colored glasses.

If the dark contrasting grout bugs you you could use polyblend grout renew; the 'urban putty' color would probably make the grout lines 'disappear'  I agree with Jill’s @Jill F. comment on that it could be the grout lines and not the tile that makes the floor seem as dated.  

Black windows are significantly more expensive than white, so we chose exterior paint colors that would enhance the look of these white windows!

@Dominic Petoral would it help to have a list of Detroit's 183 Neighborhoods color-coded as Class A, B, C or D?

Because last I checked the diversity in Utah was nil...who of color wants to be in a state boom or not where diversity isn't a natural part of the entire picture of that state? 

And I feel the ideal portfolio can benefit from the diversification of both.1) Holdfolio isn't a match for me, personally (due to not enough experience, skin in the game, etc).

Marco Santarelli I have reached out to Michael a few times but it seems like he has gone dark.