Granted it could have been user error, but it seems like it just didn't adhere well to the glossy nature of the laminate.  

If you were to think like Warren Buffett, this would be the time to Sell and wait for the next bottom in the RE Cycle to Buy at a natural discount instead of searching for a Deal.

I wasn't this to be natural bit any tips you can give me.

Sorry, don't want to highjack the OP thread and question, but the ruuuurrrralll (as @Brandon Turner put it) nature of buy/holds is a nut that I don't think I have ever heard really answered. 

Naturally a month after the exchange expired, I found a decent property I am closing on now.  

Understand, most brokers are getting only 10-30% of the commission to their firms, which is just the nature of the business these days.

What type of budget should be set for a job of this nature?

Some people have a natural eye for color-for those who don't (90-minute In-Home Color consults range from $95-$350) it can cost you big on the back end by having to repaint if the combo you chose comes off "murky" because your white trim had the wrong base or a popular golden-mustard turns "dirty-diaper" in your lighting.

Specifically, Water, heat, electric, garbage or any other bill of that nature? 

Does anyone have any experience with or any advice on how the basement nature will change the cost?