Kansas City is a great market and it is consistently on the rise.

Just curious: In cold-weather parts of the country where winters go below freezing temperature, is it typically easier to negotiate lower purchase prices during the winter months?

The thermostat is located in one unit, who is instructed to leave the heat set at one temperature.  

Might be an option if the property is only slightly underwater, since prices are rising here (who knows for how long, though.)Short sale is an option if they are underwater, are willing to cooperate, do have some hardship, and you can navigate the rocky shoals of the short sale process.Keep in mind that folks in this situation are the target of a lot of investors.  

It's a tactic in a rising market sometimes for banks to stall short sale approval so the property becomes worth more and they can demand a higher payoff on their loans.

Rents on the rise in that area?

Hello all, I have a house rented and may want to sell in a couple of years when the values rise some more.

With prices so low and on the rise, it is an active and healthy market. 

If investor demand for such properties is high then values will tend to rise.  

He's following the rules, albeit with extra payment :) Personally I would let it rise till renewal.