Bill, owner of Bill's Handyman Service (see Resource Directory) originally purchased his home through Peter Medal in 1995.  Stealing it back then and subsequently doing a complete remodel inside and out Bill was expecting TOP DOLLAR.  Sadly though, Bill had "overbuilt" for the neighborhood and getting top dollar was going to be tough.  The home was listed and remarkably an offer came in at full price except the buyer want the seller to pay for their down payment and closing costs.  Essentially $8000 below the listing.  We countered to pay less (just $5000 or so) and increased the sale price.  They accepted.  Fearing that the home would not appraise we schmoozed the appraiser and provided detailed information about upgrades.  The home appraised!  Late in the transaction we learned the buyer was not going to close on time and as a result, we were no longer going to have a contract on the home.  Being the tenacious negotiating bastards that we are we gave the buyer and their agent an ultimatum.  Reduce the sellers $5800 subsidy by $3000 or we keep the earnest money and sell to someone else.  The end result:  Bill sold the home $2000 above his list price and with the subsidy, essentially just short of the list price (on a net basis).  Congratulations Bill!  By the way, if you EVER need a handyman to do plumbing, electrical, or other repairs around your home Bill is THE MAN.  Bill is the exclusive provider of handyman and repair services for Peter Medal and his rentals.  His information is available on the resources directory.