Thank you all for chipping in with your opinions and advice. I have started to investigate local realtors and their areas of expertise, looking for someone who has sold historic properties. I am attaching a link to photos of our house.

Hi Kate,
All of my associates have fantastic ideas. One that you might explore is to shop or have your agent shop for a stager that will enhance the period of the home but with a touch of the contemporary, so as to not alienate some. I had a home listed in upper Rockridge, Oakland , and found a stager that enhanced the natural style but made it very easy on the eyes.
Despite what the press would like us to believe, transactions of all kinds are still very vital and there are always reasons why people have to buy or sell, such as yours. Don't be discouraged, find a great realtor that communicates well and 'go for it'.
Regards,
Suzanne Looker

Give the buyers the peace of mind and have everything up to code and all internal systems updated (heating, water, electric).

Everyone below me posted great ideas, but the house sells itself. Get it updated (if you haven't done so) and make the new homeowners feel they are getting something of worth.

Kate,

Life throws at us all kinds of changes. Hopefully this relocation is helping your family better your lives. There are many things that can be done to help you find the right buyer for your wonderful historic home.

1. Staging the home for sale. A professional stagger can help prospective buyers visualize how they can build their lives in your beautiful home.
2. Market the home in places where prospective buyers for your unique home may see it. This can include targeted periodicals, magazines and web sites.
3. Have professional photos of the home taken.
4. Have an engaging video tour produced. (See link below)
5. Tell the story of the Home. Part of the charm is the history the home holds. An experienced Realtor can help you write the engaging story sure to catch the eye of the right buyer.
6. Price the home correctly. Pricing will depend on how quickly you must sell. Your Realtor can go over the current conditions in the market an how different pricing strategies can improve interest in the home.

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Nate Ellis.com 925.337.8489

Very nice house and sad you have to leave..I feel for you. Assuming renting such a beautiful place until the market turns around is out of the question...ANY home for sale will fetch market value...market value is what a willing and able buyer is ready to pay. When you first purchased this home, what most attracted you to this home? If you must sell, I advise presenting the home in its best condition which I"m sure its in...wait for at LEAST a couple of weeks to review bids and when you get ready to choose, make sure you choose the strongest buyer so the transaction does not fall apart at the last minute. Good luck to you in your new home and new job! Feel free to call or email me anytime if you need any further information.

Kamal Randhawa
Broker
510-932-1066

Hi Kate,

Wow...sounds like a beautiful home. The best tips are to work with a listing agent who can create a lot of market exposure for your home. Regardless of the condition of the market, there is ALWAYS demand for unique properties, and they will even fetch a premium. The hardest hit homes in a challenging economy are those "commodity" properties that don't have any distinguishing features. My client recently put a bid on a 1907 brown shingle home that is in absolutely beautiful restored condition...and it is priced at a substantial premium. We offered full price close in 30 days...we lost out to multiple bids over the asking price! My clients are rattled. The best single tip is to give your home a few weeks on the market, with a couple brokers tours and Sunday Open Houses before your review offers...this way you build up an "emotional" value in the buyer's mind. This strategy is horrible to experience if you are a buyer in love with the property, but it brings the highest value to the top!

That said, I would love to see your property!

Best regards,
Rich
925.876.1460