They have 7 years to refinance the property and cash out the mortgage holder, so they are gambling that prices will be back up in 7 years so the property will appraise for 235k and they will clean up their credit so they can qualify for a loan.

I’m not thrilled with DeKalb government, but think Greenhaven would actually be much worse. 

I understand I would be taking a gamble by spending the extra money for some items now with the risk being I may not be successful at re-zoning.

They have to pay the higher price for the thrill of scaring you away?

If it's just taking a flyer on a deal with funds you can't afford to lose, because you hope the property will go up, that's just gambling.  

I hate to lose more cash but it may be good "gamble" at this point.I've had 5-6 showings but no bites.  

Overall, it looks like you are answering your own question throughout your post ie. you recognise that it appears to be quite a gamble, not REALLY what you want!

It sounds like your ready to just get it over with though, and I know most highly successful people believe in settlements instead of gambling at trial.

Include a $1 scratch off lottery ticket and say "thanks for not gambling with your home purchase"This will stick in their mind better than a simple thanks for your business card.Congrats on the sale!

I guess the seller wasn't thrilled that the offer was lower, but he took it and they closed escrow this week.