For me it is the time between the contract and the closing. In many states there is considerable ambiguity to getting out of the contract, so negotiating issues that come up during the inspection period becomes ambiguous. For instance, we got into it once over the furnace which was super old and on the verge of death.…

I don’t mean to be picky, but I feel the need to point out this is unconditional. And it doesn’t show the distribution. If you are in the 75th percentile (i.e. ability, grades, extracurriculars) that could result in a very different outcome than if you are in the 25th percentile. Being the top in a ‘lower school’…

I both agree and disagree. What is the job? If you are talking finish work (i.e. finish woodwork, precision cuts) then yes. But for rough and infrequent work? No. An $80 chop saw cuts a 2x4 for framing just as well as a $400 saw. A $40 belt sander takes finish of wood just as well as a $140 belt sander. I spent $400…

This is slightly misleading. Yes, they admit that taxes will vary, but in reality in some states taxes dwarf the rest of the closing costs. In NY property taxes on a $200k home are often $6000 or higher. And you have to prepay them a year in advance (so that is a minimum additional $6000 at closing). Additionally, you…