Explain that you need to protect yourself from having the property come open this winter and that the $200 decrease is a win win for both of you.

You would need to discuss this with an attorney who specializes in that kind of case, but I have seen several win that surprised me. 

You won't win them all but you will get some offers accepted.

-Incorporate the principles from 4 books into my script: Influence, Pitch Anything, Start With No, and How to Win Friends/Influence People...

persist and you will WIN!

However asking people about the market is just as much of a gamble as going down to the strip and asking which slot machine is doing the best or which table can I win on.

It looks like Dad is providing cash, but make sure you have all your options on table for a win/win investment.

I really do not want to effect my credit rating going thru multiple lenders.2)  I would be more comfortable even if i pay out extra point but know that they will get the job done within 30 days of  winning the auction.thanks again for taking time and posting a reply.

Here's an update and more clarity on my question :)Update:  We put in an offer for the house, but we were not the winning offer...

If they see that you are in the business and especially if you have done similar deals in the past, I'm sure they will win out using the DOS clause.4.