*Fortune Magazine ranks Syracuse #5 on its list of cities where home values are expected to rise, with projected increases of 3.6% in 2008.

Lynn you are making a common mistake between a FORECLOSURE sale and an auction.You can auction a property for any reason and any type of property.There are many auction houses across the U.S.Banks are just like any other seller who goes through selling process.In the beginning they get an inflated appraisal when they foreclose and feel hopeful.The after multiple price drops they get desperate and here and auction will get them an inflated price.The auction company talks them into a low started bid to get action but tells the bank they can always decline the highest bid if it's not over the banks set reserve.It works just like Ebay almost in that in many cases an item will not meet it's reserve price.In that case the seller can accept the lower bid,counter the bid,or withdraw the property or item all together.Each auction house works differently.If an auction says no reserve that means that whatever it sells for will be the price.In many cases finding a deal at an auction is not likely.People get emotional and ego's make them overpay.An auction is just another avenue for a desperate bank to try and sell a property.Foreclosure at the courthouse steps is when the bank has not foreclosed yet and they can set a bid to see if anyone bites or they will take back.The auction companies are very specific on earnest money and the agent is not to blame for their policy.If the bank does not accept your bid and you are the winner you will not lose earnest money.If you back out after acceptance you could lose it.I remember chuckling every time I saw in REO magazine the owner of an Auction company touting winning bids at auctions.What they didn't say is many of those winning bids never make it to closing and the banks re-list with the broker/agent again as an REO or just activate the listing again.

SOme review in your local real estate advertising magazines should indicate what agents list agricultural properties or those similar to what you have.Tell them of your intent to sell and ask them for a comparable market analaysis, which they do prior to listing any property.Tell them too that you want to interview a couple other Realtors;Get three or four estimates, the appraised value will likely be in or very close to what that group tells you.

Hey Chris I didn't read all of this.I just wanted say I saw you being quoted in Money magazine so CONGRATS!!

The ads are just what it said "Ads", you pay for them to be in the magazine.

I'm the guy who observes you finding disparate impact in everything and makes sure your statements of fact and law which sometimes turn out to be opinions found in tabloid magazines don't go unchallenged.

The massive growth has gained national attention, and VRM Intel, the leading vacation rental industry magazine, is bringing together cabin rental companies, condo rental companies, short-term rental companies, homeowners, real estate agents, investors, and destination marketing organizations to discuss the latest information about the $13 billion vacation rental industry.

Newspapers, TV networks, Magazines, etc all face the same issues.  

Have you found any websites, magazines, etc helpful throughout your experience.  

(Number from CityScope Magazine)