Years ago i was a general contractor in Ca and I am a finish carpenter\cabinet maker by trade.

Not every complex needs new cabinets, granite counters, all new appliances, etc.

Simple touch up work, paint, landscaping, re-using the old cabinets by sanding them and staining them for a more modern and neutral look.

I have access to get flooring at close to no cost, countertops for half (if not less), cabinets discounted, and tile at/or below cost.

I've done flooring, tiling, demo, installed cabinets, drywall, minor electrical, minor plumbing.

But I do like to look at them on the MLS, and what drives me crazy is how none of them put in appliances, upper cabinets, bathroom mirrors, or shower glass.

Just say hey honey what do you think of these cabinets for this kitchen?

But I wonder if some white cabinets and stainless steel appliances would make it more desirable. 

But the expense of cabinets is crazy and the quality of the older cabinets is better than a lot of the cheaper new cabinets.

We invested about $80,000 in a complete renovation with included the following: painted top to bottom, all new flooring, new counter tops, sanded and repainted kitchen cabinets, added more cabinets in kitchen, new split unit HVAC, tankless water heater, all new furniture, new trim and blinds.