Over the years the coal and coal dust degraded the wood and nails to where they were non functional.

@David G you have hit the nail on the head and state exactly my concern.

Hi Pierre,Steve nailed it.

@Grant Dennis @Russell Brazil nailed it.In any negotiation, real estate related or not, it's critical to understand the interests and goals of each party.The seller's agent is required by law and by ethics to get the best possible deal for the seller. 

I have a high interest in nailing this one as we have made decisions with the confidence in the Des Moines macro picture being solid.Here's a few observations in speaking to your question:I used to volunteer very heavily for an organization that would re-settle refugees, from all around the world. 

@Joshua Ketter good job - it sounds like you nailed your purchase price to allow plenty of cushion. 

To answer your question directly my advice is don't jump into deep water without adequate life preservers.

I hope you take action.Look, I appreciate your perspective, but some of what you are suggesting is difficult because, well, it is a 1970's house, an extremely well maintained 70's house, but nonetheless....Bathrooms are really too small to get any perspective in, a picture would get a corner and not really impart any information, the reason my husband showed the one bathroom is because it is ensuite to the master, and the tub IS a perfectly preserved (and I mean perfectly literally, not a scratch or water stain) 1970's style one piece thing.

@Jay Hinrichsyou nailed it!!! 

Use 2x4s nailed to the floor at 45 degree angles against the doors.