Sorry to threadjack, but I thought that was a very interesting link you posted there on short sales.
If what he says is true for the SD area as well, that explains a lot of things about market conditions.
[quote]
Advice for Sellers Facing Foreclosure
1. Watch out for the bank tricks to “keep paying.” Talk to a lawyer that specializes in bankruptcy to help guide you. They MIGHT recommend stopping payments immediately and saving it up for a rental.
2. Use an agent that has completed (as in CLOSED, not listed) at least 1 Short Sale.
3. If you have mortgage insurance, be extra careful, the bank might prefer that you foreclose.
4. Get bank approval for your list price before listing it. Put in the listing remarks “List Price approved.” Otherwise you will get lumped into all the other Fake Listings and ignored by smart buyer agents.
Advice for Buyers looking for a “steal” (see “deals” post)
1. Avoid Short Sales, or expect to wait 2-3 months and expect to put in 5-10 offers on Short Sales before one is accepted. A Short Sale in my building now has 4 offers. He says he is expecting a reply any day now… sorry, but yeah right!
2. Look for Approved Short Sales. Ask if the bank has been contacted and if a price has been approved. Multiply time estimates by 4. Ie. 3 days= 12 days.
3. Consider offering near, full or OVER list. What! Over list! Are you nuts! CNN says this is a BUYER’s Market! I know it sounds crazy, but if you and your agent see the price is well under your other options… I’ve said time and time again, I’d rather you pay $10,000 OVER list on a house that is $50,000 under the competition versus “saving” $50,000 on a home that is overpriced by $100,000. Ignore list price, focus on VALUE.
4. Focus on Bank Owned. These units get replies in a day or two. (See video of Realtor buying a Bank Owned property)
[/quote]
