One of the challenges of real estate is it's extremely local nature. 

Just my nature... 

Some vinyl planks also have the "click lock" mechanism and they install just like laminate or engineered wood.Even many high end condos in Manhattan are using vinyl planks now, don't let the term vinyl fool you, some brands are 3 times more expensive than hardwood floor, eg: the AMTICO brand cost about $10 per sq footThere are more affordable ones and look and feel just like natural wood floors, check out Allure vinyl planks on home depot.Something to consider....BTW, I love hardwood floor for the kitchen , so good choice :)

So on the 8th of March I filled out the Pay or Quit notice and demand payment in certified funds within 10 days.

Did you have any drawbacks to certifying or funding the project?

It's human nature.

By nature, the square footage of the urban abode is significantly less than a similar priced suburban or exurban dwelling.In 1920s a complex called Tutor City was build in Midtown Manhattan near the East River.  

(hint: it didn't even require a tool) There are times though when it makes a lot of sense to let the professionals do their thing - I will install fans , electrical outlets , toilets, garbage disposals, shower heads and other menial tasks  - but when it comes to outdoor ( high voltage) electricity , large trees, A/C work, and things of that nature  - I let the pros do the work.    

If thats the case you take posession of the funds in your account then have the bank cut a certified check to go to closing with.IMHO...

. § 14-11-702, which reads as follws: (b) Without excluding other activities which may not constitute transacting business in this state, a foreign limited liability company shall not be considered to be transacting business in this state, for the purpose of qualification under this chapter, solely by reason of carrying on in this state any one or more of the following activities: (1) Maintaining or defending any action or administrative or arbitration proceeding or effecting the settlement thereof or the settlement of claims or disputes; (2) Holding meetings of its managers, members, or other owners or carrying on other activities concerning its internal affairs; (3) Maintaining bank accounts, share accounts in savings and loan associations, custodial or agency arrangements with a bank or trust company, or stock or bond brokerage accounts; (4) Maintaining offices or agencies for the transfer, exchange, and registration of membership or other ownership interests in it or appointing and maintaining trustees or depositaries with relation to such interests; (5) Effecting sales through independent contractors; (6) Soliciting or procuring orders, whether by mail or through employees or agents or otherwise, where such orders require acceptance outside this state before becoming binding contracts and where such contracts do not involve any local performance other than delivery and installation; (7) Making loans or creating or acquiring evidences of debt, mortgages, or liens on real or personal property or recording the same; (8) Securing or collecting debts or enforcing any rights in property securing the same; (9) Owning, without more, real or personal property; (10) Conducting an isolated transaction not in the course of a number of repeated transactions of a like nature; (11) Effecting transactions in interstate or foreign commerce; (12) Serving as trustee, executor, administrator, or guardian, or in like fiduciary capacity, where permitted so to serve by the laws of this state; or (13) Owning directly or indirectly an interest in or controlling directly or indirectly another person organized under the laws of or transacting business within this state.Good luck!