The seller is holding firm for a higher price than I would like to pay. That said, in this market, prices are pretty low, and, as my realtor pointed out, it is in a desirable location and building.

I checked with my lender this morning and okayed my realtor to put in a higher offer. We're still fairly far apart, though.

I will wait and see.

As for the $300 challenge, I still have $118. But I have a 3-hour road trip this weekend, and I will have to pay for the vacuum repair and for clothing alterations. I have plenty of food to get through, I think. It will be interesting to see how close I can come, with these extra expenses thrown in. I think I have to count them. There will always be extra expenses.