We've tentatively accepted their counteroffer.
We offered $30k less than their asking. They came back at $10k less than asking. I came back at $20k less AND a new roof and carpet. They came back at $20k less without the improvements, OR $15k less AND $5k back at closing.
We're going with the $15k less (than original asking) and the $5k back. That puts us in a better position for the next 4-5 years than our original offer at $30k less. Pending inspection obviously. This gives us room to actually afford a roof if we need it this year--we're hoping that we can get 3 or more years out of it though.
EDIT: Oh, so the reason that we've chosen to go with this is that it has the one thing we can't change: Location, location, location. Not perfect, but damn near it. Aside from that, it could legitimately be a lifetime home. If I were to get really into it, I'd knock out a wall and put in a peninsula counter for the kitchen (small right now), re-design the master bathroom, and maybe knock down a bedroom wall to combine two into a real master suite. But as it is, it is completely adequate for even a family of 5--and we're only a family of two, although we plan on being a family of 3-5 someday.
