I expect $7500 to $10K in repairs.The appraisal hasn't been done yet, but I expect the house to comp at $125K to $140K.

What should I expect and what should I do to maximize my results from attending the meeting?

If you do try to deal w/ multiple contractors yourself w/ no experience count on spending 30-50% above your original estimates and fighting like hell to get them to finish their work to the quality that you expect or even finishing their work at all.

I understand the mindest of capital socialists - it's ok to live the conservative capitalist lifestyle while speaking like a socialist and expecting the peons to swallow it.

Do agents expect homeowners to call them to let them know if someone else was hired for the job they interviewed for?

My guesses are:* they can't get finance* it just doesn't occur to them - home ownership is outside their expectations* they are concerned that they won't cope with the bills (eg repairs)

That would be like watching politics on 24 hour news channels and expecting to figure out what is really going on.

Which option gives you less money paid out in interest over the period you expect to hold them.

I am paying $150/month and get much more value than I ever expected.

What is your expected offer/purchase price?