[quote=bobby]thanks for replies.
we are going to change our strategy a little. Our RE Agent is going the “early acceptance” route (to paraphrase college admission).
He is going to search out properties before they are listed and we are going to see if we can put in bids that will be satisfactory to the seller.
My wife’s nesting instinct is strong and I just want to keep her happy.[/quote]
bobby, I wish you and your agent all the luck in the world. I did this sort of thing with a friend about three years ago who was seeking a fixer in a small, very well-located micro-area. All we got was, “No, I/we don’t want to sell,” even on properties that had been vacant for 3-6 years! The problem was that these owners owed $0-$32K on their properties and their tax rates were all “protected” under “Prop 13.” So, as long as they kept the weeds mowed down in front (in compliance with city code), the property could stay vacant into oblivion. Two of the properties were obvious storage for the owner’s “stuff.”
Honestly, if I was in a position to buy in my area of choice, I would knock on doors and “cold call,” just as your agent has stated he is planning on doing.
