flu– As much fun as that would be, there was no opportunity to counter offer. One bid and done. I *could* have come in ridiculously high, won and then bail, but that wouldn’t have achieved my objective, which was getting the house. So, no, I don’t think that would have made me feel much better.

I know you were mostly joking, but I wanted to clarify my options *and* what you describe is a reasonable example of things that cross your mind.

For example, I told my wife I was going to burn down the house. You know, if I can’t have it, then no one can. She just laughed at me like I wouldn’t really do it. Don’t you hate that?

Anyway, I decided not to because a) I’m not an arsonist or even really all that evil, and b) because I don’t really blame the buyer. I know I’d do the exact same thing if I were them.

So, I’m left with how to punish the listing agent, but again, that “not as badass as I like to fancy myself” thing gets in the way. I’m still noodling on that one.