Ralph,

I hope you use a Realtor who represents you as a buyer's agent to protect your best interest. Most listings agents in out industry are ethical, professional and they we all coop with each other. As a matter of fact with this market, banks and Dept of Real Estate are well aware of this kind of situation and many unethical Realtors are loosing their license and dragging the buyer and sellers with them to court for the very same reason.

Don't be a part of fraud, just do the right thing and protect your family by having someone who represts you and your family.

Best of luck.

Warmest Regards,

UTPAL 'Paul' PARIKH, Certified ABR,CSP,e-PRO,GRI,SRES,REALTOR
REO & Short Sale Expert - TeamUP
V.P - Membership WCR, SouthWest Riverside County Chapter.
Keller Willliams Realty - 27290 Madison Ave, Ste 200, Temecula, CA 92590

Lic# 01503821

Direct: 619-990-9901
Office: 951-304-1200
Fax: 951-304-9531

Email: RealtorUtpal@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.951BuySell.com Riverside County
Investment - Commercial - Residential - Business - Rentals
-Save a tree.

This is what we did in using a VA loan.... We didnt contact a realtor right away... we used the local MLS and serched new homes coming on the market.... we used desertareamls.com when buying in the coachella valley... its updated daily and really accurate... i noticed redfin.com is PRETTY accurate in their new listings.... We waited for the perfect home to come on the market... we saw one come on the MLS and drove by the home THAT DAY.... saw it from the outside and tried peeking in the windows.... we were REALLY intrested in the home called the LISTING agent right away and got the home.... you see,,,, they dont have to split their commission so they are more than willing to work with you and getting you into the home. you have 99% better chance in getting the home than anything else... when u use va keep in mind they require the home to have all flooring down all doors on the doors... you need the stove top in and you need a dishwasher in if there is a space for it in the home you need the microhood if there is a space for it also.... we bought a home without any appliances but had to put them in the home before the close of escrow so it would pass the appraisal... just keep in mind that the home needs to be in pretty good shape to get into it when using VA ... you can contact your lender and he will let you know more about what you need.... hope this helps...
karla

Ralph,

Most of the properties are in MLS and other options to name a few would be the following:
1. Check different Auction Sites.
2. ForSaleByOwner.com
3. Craigs List.
4. Local Newspaper - online and paper ads.
5. Seller carrying.
6. Lease to Buy Option.

If you are working with a Realtor, you can ask them to check these options, otherwise I would be glad to meet with you at your convenient time to discuss others beyond the ones's mentioned above.
Warmest Regards,

UTPAL 'Paul' PARIKH, Certified ABR,CSP,e-PRO,GRI,SRES,REALTOR
REO & Short Sale Expert - TeamUP
V.P - Membership WCR, SouthWest Riverside County Chapter.
Keller Willliams Realty - 27290 Madison Ave, Ste 200, Temecula, CA 92590

Lic# 01503821

Direct: 619-990-9901
Office: 951-304-1200
Fax: 951-304-9531

Email: RealtorUtpal@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.951BuySell.com Riverside County
Investment - Commercial - Residential - Business - Rentals
-Save a tree.

Depending on your price range there may be options for you other than looking in the MLS. I am available by appointment to discuss other opportunities to you regarding properties that are not listed in the MLS.

Ralph,

I know how frustrating it is as I work with a lot of Military Buyers who use VA loans. Key here is to make multiple offers, be patient and have a agent negotiate the best position and deal for you. There are a lot of new construction who pays a lot of closing costs and gives an awesome incentives. With over 25 years of experience and all Buyer Designations, I have a team that would love to help you if you are not with an agent.

Hang in there and make multiple offers. Key is to make higher offer to the bank than your fellow competitive buyers by atleast 3k - 10k so the bank sees more for them. In long scheme of things, it will not matter that you paid a bit higher.

We are the largest real estate office in the valley and we constantly get new properties.

Warmest Regards,

UTPAL 'Paul' PARIKH, Certified ABR,CSP,e-PRO,GRI,SRES,REALTOR
REO & Short Sale Expert - TeamUP
V.P - Membership WCR, SouthWest Riverside County Chapter.


Lic# 01503821

Direct: 619-990-9901
Office: 951-304-1200
Fax: 951-304-9531

Email: RealtorUtpal@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.RealtorUtpal.com San Diego County
Website: http://www.951BuySell.com Riverside County
Investment - Commercial - Residential - Business - Rentals
Save a tree.
Keller Williams Realty- 27290 Madison Ave, Ste 200, Temecula, CA 92590

I have just worked with a wonderful family on a VA and it was not easy. We submited 10 (yes ten) offers before we were fortunate to get an acceptance and find a home that was perfect for them. He was a marine and we were able to get 100% financing and although it was not easy we are about to close escrow. I would be glad to answer any questions or gladly forward you the loan officer info. It was my first time working with this loan officer but he knew the process in and out and was a great help. It is a great loan and the only way I have heard to get 0 down these days but yes it is a fight to get an offer accepted. Persistance!

Yes, it's true. There are many buyers competing for the same properties. If it is bank-owned, the banks will tend to choose either a cash offer, or conventional loan (20% down payment), rather than FHA or VA. Both the FHA and VA loans have stricter guidelines with regard to appraisals and condition. Also, VA loans require more paperwork. This is probably why you are having more trouble getting an offer accepted, but so are many other buyers--you are not alone. Perhaps you might want to look at a short sale. Short sales do take longer, but if your offer is a good one, it is possible to get it accepted, even with a VA loan, as long as the property is in fairly good condition. You might want to enlist the help of a local real estate professional to help you select a suitable property that fits your needs. Best of luck.

Buy new construction.... That's what we did! We're military and the stress off multiple offers and constantly being out bid was driving us crazy! We got a new home for the same price we were offering on REO's and SS's. Good Luck!