and here is our reporter. on this street in west menlo park residents get letters from realtors that say things like my client is willing to pay cash up to $5 million. carol has lived on the block to for two years. >> thou take them seriously? >> because we just moved in and have plans to stay in the area, no. but it is always fun and interesting to read them. >> in the fall when listings are more robust agents do not take it for granted, door knocks have become common and so is making offers to builders as spec during construction. a realtor said that such methods have worked for her. >> they do not want the hassle of open houses and putting it on tours and in someone showed up with the right price for the "make me move price," they will find a place to go. >> that was the case for a couple who sold the redwood city home, thinking of moving but did not have to after someone made an offer. steve and his wife now live on the central coast.