Keith Sorem

John
I appreciate your idea, however I would like to make a suggestion.
First, you might want to check Wisconsin real estate rules and regs but someone not directly involved in the transaction MAY not be legally able to receive a finder's fee unless they are a DRE licensee.
Second, if your primay marketing plan is to pay an $80,000 bonus to a broker for bringing a buyer, you should know that a poll of home buyers in 2008 reports that 90% of the time the buyer first sees the home they buy with a REALTOR. So Realtors need to be convinced that listing is worth showing (meaning that the price listed demonstrates a good value).

I would ask your Realtor how many homes like yours have:
1. Come on the market
2. Lowered their price
3. Entered Escrow
.4. Have closed escrow
From the time your home hit the market.

That may be of more benefit. Also, IMHO, you will receive more bang from your buck if you translate the bonus into commission. Talk with your Realtor for further details. - Yesterday, 12:56

Possie
I grew up in Pullman and my wife is from the Shoreline area of Seattle, so I had to do a litte research for your zip code.

If you go in Trulia to your area (Randle, Washington), and click on Stats and Trends...there is not much data. Maybe that is a data issue. My hometown of Pullman doesn't have much either.

When a Realtor works in a brokerage, their 'boss' is their broker, who has a broker's license. The broker is legally responsible for the Realtor's actions. In most cases there is a division of the income when a Realtor helps a client buy or sell. In many offices the broker's portion ranges from 50% to 30% of the fee. When brokers can arrange for a sale "in-house", normally the Realtors do not make any extra money, the broker does however. So in most cases it makes no financial difference if other brokers listings are being sold or purchased.

The other issue is "dual agency". If one Realtor represents both buyer and seller, they are a dual agent. However, if two different Realtors represent two DIFFERENT clients but work for the same Broker , they are still considered to be DUAL agents. Dual agency can cause legal issues if clients think that they are not receiving fair representation ( sort of like one attorney representing both plaintiff and defendant).

My point is that in most cases it really doesn't matter who's listing you sell, as a Realtor your compensation in most cases is the same.

So, let's get back to selling your property. The fact the your property is not being shown probably has a lot more to do the the value being projected than anything else. In 90% of the cases the buyer first sees the home they buy with a REALTOR. Realtors know value, and so do not choose to show their buyers homes that are over-priced when there are other homes that are reasonably priced.

I would suggest that you ask your Realtor for a list of homes that have:
1. been listed.
2. lowered their price
3. gone into escrow
4. sold
from the date YOUR home hit the market. That is a far more accurate indicator of market activity than a conversation with ONE Realtor in a store.

Best of luck to you! - Yesterday, 12:47

Greg
It is interesting ot see the change in local markets, and North Hollywood is a great example. Toluca Woods, which is actually IN North Hollywood, is an up and coming place. IMHO Toluca Woods is not likley to catch up, but who ever thought North Hollywood would be the artsy town that it is becoming.

To put the purchase and sale into perspective, you are buying within a certain set of circumstances, including a strong buyer's market, low interest rates, and if the townhome is a "good deal" now, all things being equal, it will sell for a fair price in 5-7 years. The key is to look at your alternatives, the pros and cons of each, then go from there. Most homeowners should look at the purhcase from the point of view - Is this a good home for me, rather than, will this be a great investment. Other home buyers in the future will ook at the same criteria (design and upkeep of the building, nearby features, crime rate, etc.).

If you need help feel free to call 1-888-2084-2056. - Yesterday, 12:19

Diane
I suggest looking at your options. Depending upon your goals, meaning you are selling for a reason, if it is to purchase another property in the same area, can you accomplish that goal and NOT sell the extra lot? In many markets there is appreciation in the long term (5-10 years), it might make sense to consider keeping it.

If you are re-locating to another area and want to get out completely, then selling both might make sense.
Interviewing three Realtors, then comparing their answers, is probably a great way to start.
Best of luck to you. - Yesterday, 12:14

Kathy
Sorry to hear that you need to move. My recommendation is to discuss your plans with three Realtors and evaluate their proposal. Make a list of questions, then ask the same questions to each Realtor, then compare answers.
You may want to consider the options:
1. What will I net/lose if I sell now?
2. What if I cannot sell (loss limit), if I rent, what would that look like)
3. Is there are way that I can stay, wait for the market to turn around, what might that look like?

I would also suggest talking with a CPA about the tax implications of you choices. The rule of thumb in MOST markets (but not all) is that due to the amount of appreciation between 2004 - 2006 many homeowners who purchased during these years will face negative results if they sell now.

Best of luck. If you need a Realtor I would be happy to refer one to you. 1-888-284-2056 - Yesterday, 12:11