Well, remember one thing - you can always upgrade finishes later, if you can't afford them now.
I've bought and sold several homes over my life, and at present, I've got a condo downtown (which I'm renting to my son) and I just moved into a new home last year, with all new finishes. I always upgrade the finishes. I agree with the granite counter tops - they are almost bullet proof - you don't have to worry about putting hot pans on it like you would with plastic laminate tops. Make sure you get tile to the full height between the counter top and the underside of the upper cabinets.
I love hardwood floors, but if you are getting them in a condo with gypcrete subfloors, you will be limited to "engineered wood floors". The can be glued down or installed loose laid (floating type installation) (Solid hardwoods can't be glued down). Make sure you get the type with the backing on them. Also, get the type that have real hardwood on the finished side.
One thing that makes a big difference is the trim you put around your windows and doors. Go for the widest trim you can and if it fits your colour scheme, go with hardwood trim - it really makes a difference. Also, in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo, your not going to have a lot of doors, so, if you can - upgrade to real wood doors - again, it's something that will really stand out.
A gas outlet for a barbeque is a must - shouldn't be too costly - about $150 or so.
Appliances - yeah, stainless steel is nice, but it is hard to keep clean. Your better off to get black appliances - they look contemporary, and if you get black granite counter tops - they look great together. If you get a really big fridge, make sure that the wall behind it is framed so that recess behind the fridge is deep enough to get your fridge flush with the front of your cabinets. Otherwise - make sure you check the depth of your fridge. And, always get a good microwave oven - don't cheap out here.
One last thing is the paint colours. Paint colour is something that is easily changed, so, be bold - get more than one colour - ie- an accent colour (a dark colour preferably) for one wall in each room, and another colour for the rest of the walls.
Anyway, have fun.
