http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/How-much-should-I-offer/238778/ Zillow Advice | Zillow Real Estate http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/How-much-should-I-offer/238778/ Check with a local <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-agents/">Realtor</a>, and ask for a Comparative Market Analysis.&nbsp; Then figure the cost of the repairs necessary, and deduct that from the market value of a similar home on the market.&nbsp; Find an agent with short sale experience, since this can be a very long process.<br/><br/>Remember, the property is priced the way it is because the bank knows it needs work.&nbsp; Also remember that in a short sale, the homeowner still owns the property and must approve the offer before it goes to the bank.&nbsp; Tue, 26 May 2009 19:32:00 GMT http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/How-much-should-I-offer/238778/ 2009-05-26T19:32:00Z http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/How-much-should-I-offer/238778/ SInce I am in California and don't know your market, I would suggest you find a good <a href="http://www.zillow.com/directory/real-estate-agents/">Realtor</a> who does. They can provide you with great informaton as to what homes have sold in that area, what condition they were in, and most important - how much did they sell for.<br/>Then if you are comfortable with that person, use them to guide you through the offer process - short sales are a lot of work, this isn't something you want to do on your own.<br/>If you need a local referral, and your friends can't provide one, let me know and I will try to help.<br/>Good Luck! Mon, 25 May 2009 19:47:00 GMT http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/How-much-should-I-offer/238778/ 2009-05-25T19:47:00Z