Q: I'm getting fed up with going out with my wife looking at houses to buy.

First she said she wouldn't consider anything that didn't have a view. When we realized that there are almost no decent houses in our price range that have a view, she switched to only wanting something on acreage. Frankly, I don't know what we'd do with a lot of land.

She doesn't like the places we can afford that are on a few acres, so I just don't know what to do. I really want to get something before the prices start back up and we can't afford anything here.

A: Hang in there. This is a common problem. We all start out wanting the moon and end up settling, happily, for a decent home we can afford. Especially on Vashon, which has a very small real estate market, it's almost impossible to find exactly what you want.

As you've heard me say to her, it's best to look at everything in your price range to get a better idea of what options you have. I call it a reality check. Even for those who have an unlimited price range, the choices are few. We just don't have that much turnover of property on the Island. That's a good thing for the community, but a frustrating thing for those trying to find a home here.

Maybe coming out on a nice day and looking at everything we have available in your price range will give her a more realistic view of the market. I am always surprised to discover that people often chose a place that was the complete opposite of what they told me they wanted.

You also might consider the possibility of renting here first. That way you can become a part of the Vashon community and continue to look for a place to buy. Even in a slow economy the best homes sell more quickly. If you're already living on the island I can notify you the minute a new listing comes up and you can see it that day.