Lisa Crowder

Any agent can assist you in viewing properties that are listed for sale. I don't know whether this particular property is currently listed for sale or not. There's no listing in FMLS on this street at the price shown on Trulia and I don't subscribe to RealtyTrac so (like you) I can't see the street number for this particular property.

If you're looking for a foreclosure, your best bet is to find a good buyer's agent in the part of town where you're looking who is familiar with the foreclosure process. Be aware, foreclosures and short sales are generally not for the faint of heart. They can take a much longer time to complete the process than a typical home sale and, with foreclosures particularly, the property is likely to be in a very rough state when you move in and require a lot of repairs (and likely appliances, fixtures, etc.).

If you're not familiar with the process, I would seriously urge you to find a good buyer's agent with significant experience in foreclosures and short sales who is familiar with the area of town you're looking in. Then get that agent to track down this property and others that might suit you.

Even if you had been able to find the agent who listed this property, it's really not in your best interest to see the property with the listing agent -- that agent is contractually obligated to represent the seller. He or she cannot advise you and is required to report back anything you say that's relevant to the sale to his or her client (the seller).

So, please. If you're motivated to buy a foreclosure, do some interviewing of agents first. Find one you like, who responds to your needs, communicates frequently and well, and knows not only the area you're interested in but also the process for working with banks.

Best of luck! - Thu Apr 30 2009, 11:43

Marketing your listing is exceptionally important. If you go with an agent, make sure you review their marketing plan and have a firm commitment on the timing of when elements of the plan will be implemented. They should have professional photographs and a virtual tour ready to go the day the listing is input into the listing services (FMLS and GaMLS). Also check to make sure your agent has showcase listings on Realtor.com (the #1 public real estate portal). Check your agent's marketing for their existing listings to see what level of product they put out for their clients. - Sun Apr 5 2009, 09:17

As the others have mentioned, FHA is generally the loan program with the lowest down payment still available (3.5% along with seller contributions of up to 6%). Most conventional programs now require at least 10% but there are a few out there that might do less, depending on the size of the loan and your financial position. Every bank has different programs so just check them out.

You need to contact a reputable mortgage professional (or several in order to get a broader view of what's available). I recommend you go with someone local (preferably someone who actually can do the underwriting locally too -- a lot of the big banks have their mortgages processed out of state). Suntrust has really good rates on conventional mortgages and they do their processing locally. They also have a wide range of loan products available. Talk to your agent as well as friends and family about referrals to good mortgage lenders/brokers. If you need a referral, I'd be happy to provide you with contact info for several excellent intown lenders.

Best of luck! This is an amazing time to buy! :D - Tue Mar 24 2009, 10:30

Lisa,

FYI, the listing on Trulia shows that this house is in the 30309 zip code (which is Midtown/Ansley Park) but in reality the house is in Marietta (30062). - Thu Mar 12 2009, 06:49

Lavista Park is a great neighborhood that's super-convenient to the Emory campus. The upstairs bathroom in this house opens into both the master bedroom and the upstairs hall to serve all the bedrooms. The main level bath serves as the guest bathroom. - Fri Feb 20 2009, 11:28