At the end of the day, all agent commissions (and all other fees for that matter) get taken out of the deal pot, so while it may appear one side is "paying for it", the buyer could get a lower price and the seller could get a higher price, without it.You think you have a deal struck, but in reality you are net at $175k and the seller is at $180k.

But I would argue that the section "other" appears is for specific appliance issues since the header at the top of that section states, "Systems / Appliances: Are you aware of any problems and/or defects with any of the following:"I agree with your last comment.

Its really going to come down to multiple factors, including your personal situation/strategy but it appears you are definitely thinking about things in exactly the right way.I'd say since it doesn't seem to be an "urgent" need - I'd advise talking to some lenders and since the rate environment is still moving quite a bit, settle on a interest rate / points combo that is "your number" and when market rates move down to that point - have the lender contact you and get ready to go, and just wait until that occurs

A good CPA will also make your life a lot easier. 

Much easier said than done.  

I might put washer and dryer inside the unit to see if it is easier to rent.

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Kudos to you for trying to work through the current issue, but the S8 "entitlement mentality" is unlikely to get easier to deal with.

Makes it so much easier to remember all the details. 

@Joel Barjon As others have said, working with a mortgage broker might be easier than shopping each lender.