Mike,

Andy's point regarding the value of your house matters most. Laminate won't promote the sale if it's an upper or high end home, but won't detract value from a lower to mid-range. The value and type of countertops should correlate with the relative value of your home. I'm currently building a mid-range house and planning to use a Corian type product. Frankly I don't care for the appearance of granite as a counter, regardless of price. Of course the person I share the kitchen with has other ideas and thinks marble is really cool. It must have been that trip to Italy.

Sg