Hi Karina,

The market at this level is very competitive right now. We are seeing alot of investors and first time home buyers competing for the same property and the problem with that is the investors typically have the means to outbid or provide stronger offers which ultimately puts first time homebuyer in the backseat. Your main objective needs to be "pre-pared" which means "pre-approved" and ready to strike when the deal that best suits your needs hits the market.

I work directly with the banks listing foreclosed properties all over the county and would be happy to assist you in finding a suitable home. Please feel free to contact me direct or via my website below and I'd be happy to arrange a search that will contact you immediately when homes that meet your criteria hit the market.

Best of luck in your search.

Sincerely,
Katrina Hamilton
Direct: 858-405-4407

Hi Karina,

Many, many buyers today are frustrated with the competitive nature of the marketplace. Please know you are not alone.

The very first question that any agent should ask is whether you signed a Buyer/Broker agreement wth your agent? Secondly, other agents would want to know the circumstances surrounding the lost deal. Lastly, other agents would want to know if you have completely severed your relationship with the agent you have been using?

We would ask these questions to ensure there were no legal complexities for you or another agent you would employ.

Using the parameters you provided, there are 9 in 92113 and 1 in 91911. What you are seeking is possible. However, of the 10 available, all are either bank owned or a short sale. So who ever you employ would need to have expertise in both. The condtion of quite a few is questionable, which would it difficult to purchase with an FHA loan as they are particular about the conditionof the property. You would need to find just the right fit.

Let us know if you have any other questions. Also, you can read our blog on how to check out agents on Trulia. Trulia published it in one of their national newsletters recently.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/mark_kari_shea/2009/04/how_to_che…

Best regards,

Mark and Kari Shea
San Diego Real Estate Experts
Foreclosure, Short Sale & Investment Specialists,
Development Opportunities & Traditional Real Estate