In this market, many buyers are facile, acting like spoiled children who disappear if they don't get their own way. Just two short years ago, we agents would be shocked if sellers would respond to an offer with the words "FIRM". The tables have turned and now the buyers are using the "F" word.

Like the others have responded, recouping your investment in this market is probably not realistic. You've seen the comps, there are sales in your neighborhood at or above your asking price...what's caused your home to fall out of escrow 2 times? Inspection discovery? Non-Qualified buyers? You should discuss these issues w/ your current agent, fix any issues and move forward.

Your home will sell and soon, I have been in multiple offer situations in the last few weeks with my clients, so we know the buyers are there...but at what price. If you do not occupy the home, you might consider a lock box for ease of showing.

We are all excited to see your home sold and you move on with your life...be calm, resolve any home issues and sell that place. Your agent is professional and respected in the community and with her clients. I know she'll get your home sold!

Fri May 9 2008, 17:45

Although you said you are "called" to NYC, I was quite surprised to find you looking for a purchase in Miami. However, the question you posed there actually answers your question here. (This time, the bad guys were flaky buyers, in Miami, disoriented or greedy sellers.)

One question: is your property near the 111 or really South in the canyon? Fee or leasehold land?

Here on Trulia, it is relatively easy to check out the purchase history and true comps on your neighborhood. The map feature is good for this. I suspect your home, like the ones in Deepwell, e.g., took quite a jump (4-500%) in price in '99, leading to a false sense of value. The current market appears to be cutting the current false increase, as well as the '99 increase.

So do your due diligence, tart up your home, make sure you know where you are going, and sell the strong points. If not, find an agent to rent it out.

Some home improvements add to the value of the home, but many are really deorating fluff and don't appeal to everyone.

Fri May 9 2008, 15:43

Boyz,

You stated that you had several escrows on your home. What was the reason they fell out? Was it due to buyer financing issues or appraisal issues?

This should give you the answers you are looking for. Every time you get another offer, it will usually be lower than the last one. Given the current market conditions, the prices in many neighborhoods continue to go down. Every seller I have encountered has "the best house in town" and wants to price their home at the level to recoup their costs they put into it.

In order to get your home sold, it must priced to reflect the current market trends of your neighborhood. Your home has been on the market for 90 days and you have had several offers, I would say you and your agent priced your home well.

I would be very cautious of agents you have interviewed who are telling you to price your home higher to reflect the PREMIER finishes of your home. Many agents will tell prospective clients what they want to hear in order to secure a listing. If you price your home higher than it is currently listed, it will get overlooked by Realtors as well as prospective buyers who seen your home in person or on the Internet.

I know it can be very frustrating when things don't go the way we want them to. Work with your agent on the next offer that comes in, and make sure you look at it non-emotionally. Real estate is about negotiations, and coming up with the best solution that works for everyone. The sooner you get your home sold, the sooner you will be in NYC. I would only get another agent if they weren't doing their job, and not bringing you offers.

Have a great day!!

Wed May 7 2008, 10:25

I am an agent in Palm Springs and live in South Palm Springs. It has been my experience that sales are made to other agents. When an agent has a buyer looking for a home, they will place the criteria into the MLS and see what pops up. They will then preview the houses that fit the criteria and determine if it truly fits the buyer's criteria before showing. If a buyer says they can afford up to 900K, I will put $1M into the criteria in this market. All the buyers, today, are looking for a deal. We are in a declining market and the buyers expect to see prices coming down. They are goiing to make a lower offer to accomodate for the decline. The house needs to be priced in such a way that the other agents feel it is in the price range for that type of house but also at a price that when given a low offer, it will still be something you can accept or at least negotiate. Buyers want to have the feeling that a deal is being had. Their agents will want to show them houses that have been on the market for awhile so that they feel more comfortable giving a low offer. I am on a team and we would love to come to take a look and give you our opinion. alvin@alvintherealtor.com 760 219 1504

Wed May 7 2008, 08:45