Answers by Emily Matthews

In theory, a person could do that. But it makes more sense to have follow up specialized inspections based on what the inspector finds. Just make sure you have enough time to get them done. You might need an extension of the inspection contingency

If there are unexplained deposits, underwriters do not like that. Get receipts for everything

Best idea is to get your own estimates from contractors you trust & propose having the seller fix using that contractor. Cracked heat exchanger is serious! Leaking roof is serious!

NOPE. "Cost does not equal value." Will an appraiser allow more value for a specific thermostat or lock? Highly unlikely. What "get points" in WI are: HW floor, FP, patio, finishes (e.g. nicely done rec room vs one with paneling & ceiling tiles), number of bathrooms, replacement windows, new roof...

FEMA flood map. And make the offer contingent on not being a flood plain. Your insurer should be able to tell you if it is.

Have a good agent that will take their fiduciary duty to you seriously. I do video walk thru quite a bit, and I comment on how it smells, what the street is like, if I think the place is just weird, etc

If you're not handy, why look for one? Unless it just involves paint & flooring. Then it should be OK

Just talk to him

What it means is that you can negotiate directly via the contract re the BA fee. Don't plan on refusing to pay ANYthing, because no buyer, no sale. One of my sellers needed a certain net amount, so we negotiated the BA fee & purchase price to be a certain amount vs what he asked for. If you're in a state with SUBagency, it's only fair to offer that agent something...because no buyer, no sale. (Subagents' fiduciary duty is to the seller by default, so they are working for you not the buyer).

You can list as-is, but plan on an as-is price. It's possible a buyer's lender could refuse to fund it if these are bad enough. But you can escrow to have the work done after closing and see if they'd accept that.

It might affect buyers' willingness to take on something like that. No matter how it appraises

Get pre-approved. And don't just go by the amount the lender tells you; work out what a comfortable monthly payment would be, and ask the lender to calculate from that. That way you know what your price point is.