Dear Mr. and Mrs. Biegledog:
Oh, that's too much :-)
Seriously folks....
I think it is a great letter. My ONLY concern is whether you are low-balling enough. I realize you want to make it acceptable to a proud homeowner who is probably still in denial. And, if you want it bad enough, then that's fine.
However, I can't help but think that if you wait a year (if you can manage it), that same homeowner, or dozens like him, will be standing at your door begging you to take it at $150K. I envision the commercial where the bankers are all in the next room and the borrowers are sitting at the table... "NEXT"!
Whatever you decide, you have my best wishes. And, besides, in Rochester at $161K, you can't go too wrong. I mean, it isn't like you are buying a condo (even a discounted condo) in Florida.
Good luck!
Len