An independent appraisal will confirm value and, thus, your equity position.

Second, we just got a signed contract on an off market house in Independence today!

My Mother-in-law has a nice piece of vacant land in a really nice subdivision in Independence, MO (free and clear) and wants a cash sell.  

A useful thing to remember here is the seller side of this transaction - the performance measures for Fannie Mae employees responsible for the sale of these properties are based in sales execution and time as compared to several independent sources of value.

It sounds like that isn't the case though.Colleen - an option would be to speak with your employer about becoming an independent contractor.

This can be a big box place like KW, or a small independent brokerage run by a guy or gal that has a passion for training new/young agents.

I'm the buyer, Am I missing something, Sales price: $600KDown Payment: $50KAmortization: 30yrsRate: 4.5%Term 3yrsP&IWarranty DeedID StatementExtra recurring "YEARLY" mortgage principle payment occurring every June in the amount of $50KI pay Taxes & homeowners/hazard Insurance all maintenance & repairsMust use a Independent Loan Servicing Company (I'll pay for)Note to be recorded seller provide clear title

And this: Consumer Federation of America (cited by the FTC in their brief- link)Absence of Independent RegulationAll 50 states and the District of Columbia require real estate brokers and salespersons to be licensed.

But given that the owner is formulating his asking price completely independent of market value, it could be too high or too low.

Go to craigslist and search for the ads that say we buy houses, any ads that look like it is from an independent investor is the best one.