A good reason to check out all soft spots on walls.Early on, we passed up a deal on a house because one of the kitchen walls had a "squishy spot" where a wall repair had been made and covered up with paint.

Better to pay for these "soft costs" out of pocket so you don't have to build if the market is not doing so well. 2) Kirkland is an extremely hot neighborhood and you would probably be okay in a down market.

But they will do sub-5% interest rates and better terms (5yr, 7 yr) and no pre-payment penalties.You go with B2R, First Key, Lima or any of these "soft to hard money" lenders only if you've been rejected by the banks.Again, if you have the benefit of time, shop around!

Face frames and doors in Birch, Maple, Oak, Hickory and Ash are going to fare much better than soft Alder, MDF or Pine.

With Clinton at the helm I'm pretty sure we will have boring, but predictable, economic policies; more of the same, a possible mild to mid size recession, prime Bay Area RE a little soft, rates still low.  

I would not brush them off.

How about applying for soft money ( usually up to 70% ARV, 2 points, 8-10%).

These types will never be professionals, they lack the mind set to be in business, they are the wheeler dealers, the back lot car salesman, the door to door brush salesman, the "music man" who sold parents on his "think system" to play band instruments.

No need to worry about hits to your credit scoreWhen a renter pulls his/her own report, it is considered a “soft” inquiry which does not impact the renter’s credit score.

The house is obviously vacant old newspapers, overgrown brush, city violations in door, etc.