If I didn't redo the back deck than I would definitely end up needing to build stairs out the back door and redo the landscaping and/or build a patio (also typical for this neighborhood)So it sounds like there might be a few thousand dollars on the last one I could "do without" which would allow me to make a stronger offer if I needed to.

@Zachary Haded - I don't mean to just blow you off with this, but this question has been asked and answered on here a thousand times.

I would consider using something like that in a lower income area.In my market, saving a few thousand could cost double that in sales price, assuming that the neighborhood supports granite.Thanks for the tip, let us know how the tests go.Peter

Probably not....There are thousands upon thousands of agents that used 2003-2004 statistics to sell a property in 2005.

One thousand times NO. 

I hope it doesn't ruin my future.

I believe by self preforming you can save thousands!

He has saved us thousands of dollars and I can't speak highly enough of him.

However, when I consulted with a very experienced landlord-tenant attorney (who has done literally tens of thousands of eviction lawsuits) in my area on this very issue, and he said I actually could have charged more. 

If I decided I was going to do that - and I am going to do that, at some point in the not-too-distant future (I'm almost 50 after all) - then my benchmark is at least several thousand dollars "clear" each month beyond all of my living expenses, such that my bank accounts continue to grow even without going to work.