However, if she is having a problem making a mortgage payment, she might be able to use creative finance soften the blow.

What I would do to soften the look a bit would be to add colorful, woodsy decor.

Some markets the have seen exuberance in the last 3 years will soften back towards the national averages, while markets that are still undervalued will creep up towards the national average.

Even in California, you can have some areas soften while others continue to do well because of different circumstances.

@Bill Gulley No worries at all, Bill...it was my way of softening it!

Cost to replace can run from $3500 - $10,000.If the owner is not in a cash or credit position to fund replacement of either or both of these systems a Home Warranty can at least soften the blow dramatically.Home Warranty companies don't really make money paying claims (outside of customer satisfaction) so it's not uncommon to see challenges on claims.

As John said in a previous post, this area really seems like one of the last on the island to feel the effects of a potential market softening.

Monthly expense with just mortgage tax and fees are running at 2.7 to 3k and the rents have softened to 2.3k.

Negotiate harder, come up with more creative terms or wait, but don't soften your resolve- you will learn and be better prepared to recognize a great deal when you see one. 

I'd avoid bleach as it tends to soften wood, but you may want to research oxygen bleach as it probably won't do any damage.