Don Dutton

Julie

Since the seller is a licensed agent I believe you can get your earnest money returned by just requesting it with an explanation of your concerns regarding the flood zone location. Typically, licensees acting as principal sellers are very lenient with buyers. They have greater exposure to liability for errors and omissions that other sellers. - Yesterday, 10:57

Halloween was a couple weeks ago Sharnelle. As Realtors we're in the wrong profession to help you with concerns like this. - Yesterday, 10:47

Diane

Internet leads have dropped off dramatically in our new market. There's so much inventory out there that the buyers are using the internet for a fun shopping experience but feel no benefit to actually connect with the individual agent. We used to give out dozens of website leads each month but now I rarely get one. When good listings were scarce and there was an urgency to find out about an internet listing with market appeal it was much better. Buyer's online habits will change again. For now, having well presented postings is the name of the game rather than just having a lot of them. The downside of using a service to place your listings on the syndication sites is that the information that ends up there is whatever turns out to be the lowest common denominator in most cases. What I mean is, every sydication has its own guidelines and information presets. You're probably only getting a single picture with abbreviated data submitted for your listings if Postlets is distributing to a lot of obscure websites, just because they are limited. Do it yourself and stick with the major players, Craigslist, Zillow, Google Base, Trulia and Realtor.com but be thorough with your photos, data and links. It's amazing how many agents worry about syndication yet do a terrible job with their MLS input. I see you are good with your photos and virtual tours and that's way more important. - Tue Oct 28 2008, 16:26

You appear to have an enforceable contract if you can document delivery of the original signed counter offer back to the seller or listing agent within prescribed time frame. If the seller persists in denying their obligation to sell to you you should hire an attorney. - Tue Oct 28 2008, 08:39

Prices haven't dropped much at all in Yakima because real estate was so undervalued there for so many years. I believe Yakima has had the best performing real estate in Washington for the last two years once the bubble in Wenatchee burst. This town has become more that a whistle stop on the way to TriCities and it is gaining fame for its vinyards and wineries. Two years ago you could get a 10,000 sq ft permit ready lot on the fairway at Apple Tree for $85,000. If you want to test the wisdom of waiting go price a lot like that now, if you can find one. If all you care about is cheap, you can still get a minifarm in Odessa for $125,000. - Wed Oct 22 2008, 22:58