I know the house (the business) must win but the customer needs to receive sufficient value, too.

@Robert Burns If you are selling on a delayed S &P, the terms of the agreement in case of default of not closing due to not procuring financing, isnt that set at local custom?

I just spent $4000 to fix an ice damming issue that came up the day after sale on one of our properties -- it wasn't our fault (this is a typical problem in 60 year old houses), but it caused some water damage and sending the message that you stand behind your work will go a long way towards building a strong reputation amongst buyers agents in your community, and will also foster goodwill with your customers.

Certain areas have property characteristics that don't plug well into the AVM software (view, slope, architecture, quality, etc) can very widely in a custom home development.

The best advice if you are not already a State Farm customer is to call around and just ask for a ballpark quote on the phone.

Open an account at buyandhold.com and buy $50 of any REIT that they carry.Not a promotion, only a customer of buyandhold.com.

Thanks also for the kind comments on the overall team and our commitment to providing great service to our customers and partners.

I know a few times I have been the cheapest bid for a customer, but I have business cards, professional estimate forms, licenses, insurances, references, and reliable vehicles.Good luck on your potential property.

I've not heard of agents carrying back commissions in recent years, it will be something by local custom.

The investor groups got the properties back and are still holding them (vacant land and partially finished custom homes), in hopes of being made whole.