[JKnight]

I appreciate your input Todd. Much of what you discussed fits in with my current thinking. My "plan" is to stay there for at least five years, but it could very well end up 15. We're not looking in Scottsdale. Neither of us care about having a Scottsdale address and the club/bar scene is not important. We're more of the 'build/buy a nice backyard and have the party at your house' kind of people. Maybe down the road for our second house we will be looking for a more upscale Scottsdale locale.

With all that said, your points about the real estate agent and the questions they should be asking has me thinking I'm not working with the right person. I don't get the impression that this lady knows much about short sale/bank owned properties since I haven't heard her ask any of those questions, or provide me with the corresponding answers. I think her lack of comfort with these sales is confirmed by her gently nudging us towards traditional sales.