Seller was an estate sale, and after a couple counter offers came down to $154k and I kept my $3200 commission.

Pictures and listing text won't show you a failing roof, soil pipe, wet basement that is currently dry, etc.

Seller doesn't even respond, no counter, no discussion.   

Millennials prefer spending on experiences and there is a general shift away from 'things' to living life in a broader way with Instagram selfiesCONCLUSION: Travel and leisure growing at twice the rate of GDP is intact as the longer term trendA counter point to these three favorable points is that short-term (urban) and vacation rentals (destinations) have taken market share away from hotels and this appears to be a permanent trend. 

So chances of finding the right buyer, (DIY saving money type), with kitchen size/layout very similar yet flexible - willing to build/spec the cabinets around the size of the counters... is exceedingly slim.

You can accept the no personal guarantee but counter with a slightly elevated lease amount, then offer he choice; lower amount with guarantee, higher without  

In retrospect, I did not negotiate very well; I accepted their counter which was just below the list price.

I turned down the counter.

Thankfully you have partial overlay cabinets, so some wood-fill for the holes, sand and touchup paint.Not sure what is on the other side, or over, your range, but me, adjusting the layout would be the ideal option, but will likely not be cheap, since it will almost certainly result in new counters, if not also some fill and/or a new cabinet or two (depending on if any cabinet to the left of range is able to be moved over to corner area).What was originally there?  

That makes your next purchase less risky due to higher reserves and the ability to earn interest on your cash if you put it in an interest bearing account until you need to use it which will counter the mortgage rate being higher.You will also get a lower payment on a 30 year refinance versus a shot term line of credit usually around 10-15 years on a 9-12% rate versus a 6.75% to 7% with good credit.