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> Her secondary concern is negotiating for time to start. She can't rent
> because she has pets, but she won't be able to close on a house for at
> least 60 days.
Since everyone else has addressed the salary/bonus part of your questions so
well, I'll address this part. You said the company is located near a school...
based on my personal experience, and that of family and friends, it's much easier
to find pet-friendly housng (apartment *or* rental house) in a college town. She
should investigate her housing options before making a decision based on
something that may turn out to be a non-issue. I personally would prefer to rent
a year before buying a home in an unknown city anyway.