After the contract was submitted, my agent told me that he was informed by the listing agent that the owner recently sold an "option to buy" on this property to another investor for $9700 in premium.

Premiums will be next.

With Loopnet I have used for years.You don't get the full exposure unless you do a premium listing or are a premium member.For the free with Loopnet only about 10% of their users see it.

The stager we use does their work at cost + a small premium, more for the exposure and enjoyment than the money.

Shop around and get a good landlord policy. 25% premium vs. homeowners sounds steep since you will not be covering contents.The most important thing is to include in your lease that you are responsible for the structure and not tenant belongings or negligence.

In the event the tenant does something to cause damage, like a fire, your insurance company will subrogate against the tenant's insurance which should help you on your premiums and you can receive your deductable.

If that is the case, why don't insurers take them into account when calculating premiums.

The lower amount can provide the same or nearly the same for servicing by raising the rate an eighth of a point, any higher is adding to the premium paid to the originator.

Yes, 3K is a little high, is that for the liability side or property damage, but a higher deductable will provide a lower premium too.Shop around.......good luck!

Don't try to be greedy and go for a higher listing price in hope of finding someone who will pay a premium.