The kitchen cabinets are dark brown (chocolate) and the floor is a light travertine floor.I was inclined towards a lighter granite countertop.Any suggestions for good looking neutral colors?

I would gut the kitchen put in new cabinets/countertopsHuge living areaAnd the reason for the tarp I'm guessing.

I recently ran into an issue with the building department where they wanted the entire unit (basement) brought up to code just to approve removing a 5' row of kitchen cabinets.

The kitchen cabinets are solid and functional for a rental, but for resale I'd probably remodel (depending on my target buyer).

It's a rectangular slab that fits on top of rectangular cabinets.

Base Cabinet | Protects Cabinets from Leaks and Spills | Adjustable Spill Guard for Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks - Under Sink Organizers 

I built a custom special needs residence that has no steps, either inside or outside, wider door opening, extremely low pile carpet, no cabinets below kitchen and bath sinks, wider halls, more exits, and a large shower with no lip.no curb between the floor and the shower.

When my clients ask the difference between uploading and downloading, I use an analogy involving cabinet shelves.

If this seller can justify holding you up for $10k just to accept your offer, who's to say they won't try to shake you down for a few grand more for the cabinets they "sold" to some guy, who just hasn't picked them up yet?

This provides a great shaded covered pation are below.You might consider a small kitchen area, 6' of cabinets, a fridge hook up and a small sink bar, it can be a wet bar or with a bedroom down there a mother-in-law quarters, especially near a hospital where someone is caring for a parent.