Last Monday I requested and received a 15 days extension from HUD so now closing day is 8/04/13.

My parents bought the house in 1974, and it falls under Prop 13 protections, which means its assessed value has not changed much since they bought it, for something around $74,000... however, they've done extensive improvements and expansions to the house over the years, which probably alter the cost basis considerably, true??

On top of that you have extensive water damage which lowers the market value even more.

You could ask them to leave it or charge an extra security fee to insure they return the house to the state it was in when they got it if the changes are extensive.

As I tell my children, go to the Public Library and you will find what you are looking for.

Make a "take home booklet" that people can take with them with pictures -- more extensive than the MLS flyer you usually get.- Replace and/or update the outlets and switches to coordinate them all and make sure they are clean.- Ensure that any little "dings" or dents in the wall are taken care of.- I second the plug-in air fresheners.

So much free stuff on the net, plus the library is a good place to go.

I've been listening to them pretty extensively as well.

I have extensive email traffic of the Debt owed as well as a video of the apartments as I walked in for the very first Time.

My local library in a small town had tons which surprised me.