Update for those who care -
Found a house we wanted to make an offer on. It's been on the market for over a year. He's been moved out for most of 2009. The seller has done recent updates to the kitchen and repainted a few rooms. It's in a great neighborhood and has a beautiful backyard. The seller originally put the house up for 239k but has since lowered the asking price 220k.
In this market, the buyers have the upper hand in negotiating, right? We've been advised by some to start 30k less and make the seller meet in the middle. We were afraid of the house getting a better offer, and the guy has sent a warning out to buyers that he doesn't like being "low balled."
So, we make what we believe is a fair offer on this house. 212k. He pays $5500 in closing costs and prepaids.
We expected a counter offer and to meet in the middle.
His counter? $219,500 and he pays nothing extra. Fuck him.
Back to the search....