Why would laminate be preferred over hardwood?

Do the quick sales have hardwood floors and the long listed properties have laminate?

Hardwood for dry rooms.

The kitchen alone had 4 different types of cabinets, 2 mismatched counters (that were connected) and once we tore up the first layer of flooring we learned it has FOUR layers of flooring on top of the original hardwoods. 

All flooring needs replaced (though there are hardwoods beneath the filthy carpet). 

The building has older high ceiling and hardwood floors that you don't really want to cover but  I wish I had made some sound improvements in the downstairs bedrooms.   

Floor is 3/4 inch subfloor with 3/4 inch hardwood, covered with 1/4 inch-5 ply, with Tarkett sheet vinyl.Destroyed.  

I mean assume hardwood by guided carpenters.. only the best. 

If it was poised to ruin some hardwood floors or leak through a ceiling then I might consider replacing.

House needs the basics:-Plumbing (bath room and basement)-Flooring (carpet, hardwood needs to be refinished)-Paint -Few holes fixed in the walls-Sink and kitchen cabinets (rehabber ran out of money)-Lawn maintenance-Furnace-Hot water tank.