Good Luck!! If it was me I would put in contract, exactly in $ amout how much you need back for repairs, if she doesn't want to do them, such as $8,000 for repairs.

The total market value (according to the county auditor's website) is $129,000. It's probably because it's an old home and it's location. I'm also concerned about the basement because it's an older home (1934). It didn't look wet, but they had everything on shelves and nothing of obvious value was directly on the floor. I'm not going to pay $136,000 because the auditors website reflects a different value, plus the comparable in the neighborhood have been selling in the $125,000 area. According to what I've heard about older homes, parts for repair (i.e. - the door) are a little difficult to find, so that's something else to consider.

I'm feeling better, and I won't be heartbroken if it doesn't work out. My parent's have graciously offered to let us store everything in their pole barn and move in with them for as long as it takes. So, either way, at least we won't be homeless ;). Wouldn't that be a sight to see! A crazy lady with a sewing machine and her little white dog! LOL

I'm feeling better, and I won't be heartbroken if it doesn't work out. My parent's have graciously offered to let us store everything in their pole barn and move in with them for as long as it takes. So, either way, at least we won't be homeless ;). Wouldn't that be a sight to see! A crazy lady with a sewing machine and her little white dog! LOL[/quote]
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That's the right attitude, if it's meant for you, it will come. The door sounds like she might have had a big dog and started a doggy door (perhaps taken by the ex?) and a dirty yard says that maybe the dog had been confined there. But landscaping will pay for itself in not to long a time (says a Landscape Architect's wife) You can clean it up and start with the basics, big trees and shrubs and a bunch of annuals. That will fill in the time you spend cleaning up the house.
But do have your inspector check out that basement. And talk to some of the neighbors about flooding in that area. Look at other houses in that area and check out fences and tree trunks for water lines. Ask the agent flat out if it floods in that area.

Have you checked with the local police department about how "nice" that area is? Do they get a lot of calls there? In my town there is a nice looking area that surprisingly has some of the town's most active police calls....

In our area, the county auditor's value is always way below the true market value, but having lots of recent sales for accurate comps is good.

I would be less concerned about the door. Standard doors are pretty cheap ($25) and can be found at salvage places if necessary. I agree that a damp basement may be more of a concern.

The right home will show up soon :-)

My laugh of the day. The crazy lady with the sewing machine and her little white dog. Keep the faith if it's meant to be it will be.

Make sure u have the home inspected! U don't want surprises!!

Is this the MARKET value, or the ASSESSED value? Since you're getting this number from the county auditor's website, I suspect it's the assessed value. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. Your realtor should be able to explain the difference to you, and if he/she can't, you need to get a different realtor. You should be basing your offer on the MARKET value, which has many determining factors - size, location, condition, and comps.

In todays market and the age of the home I'd offer assessed value and go up from there. The age of the house would determine a real inspection in my state. Asbestos, mold, foundation problems etc. Be reactive, if the house is to be yours it will happen, but don't get attached.

I too had the same thoughts..lol. You seem to have the right attitude & i wish you all the luck, yes i also agree if its meant to be then it will happen. Keep us posted.

After having been a Realtor for about 25 years and recently retired, I have experienced several scenerios including this one. If it is meant to be it will, but one has to work on it to make it go, One of the first things I would suggest it: HAVE IT INSPECTED!!!!!!!! I had a good offer on my house, had an inspection and found termites. Deal fell through, had the termites treated, repair work done, found another buyer within one week and closed. I never sold a house without an inspection.