Dear Edith: In today's market, is an initial offer of 10 to 20 percent below list price considered reasonable and acceptable? — K.

Answer: There's no way I can judge what a particular seller would consider reasonable. Some homeowners are desperate for a quick sale and list below real market value. Others are emotionally attached to a house and don't care if they sell this year or next. Some hate bargaining and set a rock-bottom price to start with. A few stubbornly hold out for s ...

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