If you're looking for a nice property with several acres, we have one listed in the Creston hills for $375k. It encompasses 8.5 acres and has a very buildable site with gorgeous views on a private gated road. There is even a small annual creek that runs through the back-end of it down by the oaks. You can take a look at it on Peabody & Plum's website if you're interested. Good luck to you!
Diane

Hi Amy:

Yes, that's what I am seeing. The sellers who do not have to sell either take their properties off the market or are holding firm on their prices and won't sell unless the price is closer.

You can either sit tight and be ready to buy whenever a new property that fit your criteria comes on market, or if you have very specific property/location in mind, your agent might be able to ask the owners on your behalf . It could work.

Sylvia

Hi Amy,

Congratulations on timing the market well. Other sellers have not been so lucky. Yes, people who have very choice properties who do not have to sell are not selling in this environment. Would you? Many are electing to sit on the sidelines. However, having worked as a buyers agent I know that the right property will come around for you. Take your time and don't think about it everyday. A property like the one you seek doesn't pop up everyday. I set up a search function for buyers that is very narrow and when a property rolls onto the market that meets their criteria an automatic alert goes to their email. Your agent should be able to do the same.

Good luck,

Tni

No we haven't found property yet....and yes we are working with a realtor. Since we sold our old neighborhood has dropped about 30% in asking prices and has had 2 foreclosures...so we are feeling like our timing on the sale was right in time. Now we just need to find the best property to buy.

Dear Amy: Hi ... I was just wondering if you have found your property yet? I am an agent at Signature Properties in Arroyo Grande and would love to talk with you. Please read my profile and if you are not working with another agent, it would be my pleasure to help you. Thank you!
Connie Winstead @ Signature Properties 805.441.4601

Hi Amy,

I'm a Realtor out of the Pismo Beach and the surrounding area. Although no one can make another want to sell thier home until they are ready, it sounds like you are looking for a very particular home with acreage. Have you seen all that has been available this last 9 months? There are currently a few homes that I've taken a look at in the SLO/east hills of AG area that are stunning. There are also a few attractive lots still available as well. Hopefully you are working with a Realtor familiar enough to alert you whenever a home comes on the market that fits your criteria. As stated earlier, you have time on your side depending on the type of property your looking for. However, we are seeing luxury homes on acreage maintaining a very steady level on thier pricing. Good luck with everything and feel free to shoot me an email if you'd like more assistance and you are not currently working with a Realtor.

Ute makes a good point about being proactive and your thoughts are correct. If they do not have good reason to sell...they probably wont. A Realtor sending out a plea for a potential buyer will probably be seen as a marketing ploy by potential sellers though. I would recommend hiring a Realtor in the area but, also knock on a few doors if you are not wary of doing so. Sounds like the area is good so, just make certain you are no alone when you approach any home and take precautions when doing so. A potential buyer who approaches a potential seller and can connect with them has amazing results at times. Personal contact is much more powerful than a letter which will, most likely be thrown away regardless of how well it is composed. If you have the time and inclination, go out there, identify potential areas and then contact a few in person. If they are not interested, ask if they know someone who might be interested. Provide them with your phone number and you may be surprised at the result.

Hi Amy. Why not become proactive? Write a letter to home owners in the areas that you are interested in and tell them that you are looking to buy in the area. You are right, if someone does not have to sell, they may not put their property on the market, but if they know there's someone out there interested in buying, they may consider selling. You could also ask your real estate agent to write such a letter as the agent can easily get a list of all the homes in your desired area and the agent can customize the list to include only homes that would meet your search criteria. The only downside that I see to having an agent write the letter is that the home owners may think that it's just another agent trying to get business claiming that they had buyers. You could also post a flyer at local bulletin boards, post an ad on craigslist. I think you get the idea. Get the word out that you are looking.

If you are not in a time crunch to purchase you are in a great position. If values are dropping you may get a great deal. There is always some having to sell due to death, divorce, transfer or another reason. Hang in there and time is on your side at this time.

Also, if you havea Realtor working for you they can look for potential sellers that would meet your needs. Good luck.