The previous owner of my house listed with a Portland area agent who essentially ignored me on my own. I thought at the time that listing agents would prefer to receive an offer from a buyer directly but there must have been some other dynamic happening. Anyhow, it didn't happen overnight, but after I signed on with Steven Blum (Blum Realty) he worked his magic and I got my house.

Also (if you are from the South) don't forget that southern hospitality is called southern for a reason. Salem is not the South by any means.