I offered 97% of asking price, but also asked the seller to pay 3% of closing cost etc. offered 136 on 140 (with some appliances being left that there was some confusion about)
Put a contingency that the appraisal has to be equal or greater to the purchase price. The bank will probably loan on a percentage of the lesser of the two.
Be aware of contingency dates in the contract. Ask the lender for a full income review prior to registering the loan. And get them everything they ask for loan approval quickly.
That is why you need to have your own people that you can trust. I've been dealing with my team for quite some time. They saved me from a lemon or two over the years.
