Hi Kenneth.
Generally, you need to decide - are you looking for a "home" or are you looking to buy a foreclosure period, end of story?
If you are actually looking for a home, a place for you and your family to live, why not include ALL types of properties for sale in the area that you desire, and the price range that makes sense for you?
I don't understand this need for the public to chase down the ever elusive "amazing deal". Trust me, no matter what you buy right now, it's going to be an amazing deal. Work with a professional and save yourself some grief.
You have already received some great pointers. We are very limited in what we can provide to a "non client" in the way of advice.
Your best bet for making sure that you don't miss out on all the possibilities in your price range is to work with a buyer agent of your own - someone whose job it is to find the best possible homes for you as quickly as possible.
We get paid when we close so a good buyer agent understands that the faster they find what you are looking for, the faster they get paid! Driving around or looking on the internet can cause alot of frustration and wasted time. I am finding more and more that most (not just a few) of the internet sites are inaccurate - I don't know why that is but it seems to be the case. The only true depiction of what is really out there and available is the listing service that agents can access.

If you are not already working with a buyer agent, it might be a great time to start. It costs you nothing and can save you thousands. Banks actually PREFER that the buyer have an agent - they don't want all the questions and other stuff that goes along with trying to work a deal with someone who isn't accustomed to customary business practices.

I consult with my buyers and then set them up with their own private website where they receive the latest listings of all types that fit into their desired area and criteria. It helps us decide which are the cream of the crop that you need to see before making your buying decision.

Good luck.
Stephanie McCarty
Accredited Buyer Representative
REMAX Greater Atlanta
404-457-8089
email me directly at slmrealestate@comcast.net
Web Reference: http://www.mysouthhomes.com

Good luck.

Kenneth,

Housing inventory is dropping fast and there are many other people out there doing the same thing you are. Competition for these choice foreclosure properties is tough.

The most desirable homes are selling fast and in many cases well above the list price. The less desirable properties hang around on the market much longer and therefore you see more of these homes than the good ones.

Your bank website most likely is only showing you properties in their inventory. If you are looking for a good foreclosure deal you need to get an agent that can stay on top of this fast pace market. I can help there! In addition you need to be prepared to act fast without hesitation and be ready to bid seriously. The low-ball offer for a good foreclosure home is a waste of time right now. Many of these homes are already priced well and future positive equity is built in.

If you are ready to jump in the game just let me know!

James Dudley
ERA Sunrise Realty
678-781-7418
james.dudley@era.com

I've always wondered the same thing myself. If your looking for a great deal on a foreclosure, then check out http://www.foreclosureradar.com. It will tell you which homes are in pre-foreclosure, which ones are already REO's and which ones are up for auction. I know a bunch of investors that use this site like it's the end all be all of Real Estate. Or, you should interview a few Real Estate professionals in your area and find one that you think will best serve your needs.