Kaye Thomas/ Real Estate West

Back property taxes can be an issue and are not always paid. A bigger issue is a tax lien from the IRS on the property.. foreclosure will not clear those and you could be liable for paying off monies owed by the former owner.

Foreclosures are not always the "deal" people believe. You have to be very diligent in checking all aspects of the property - Fri Mar 14 2008, 10:12

We use lock boxes on almost all listings in our area. We rarely have the issues you have described because most agents understand the guidelines which is apparently not true in your area. Vicki's idea about the portable box is good.

Here is another idea. In order to get the combo to the box an agent must call your agent and you agent has to set the appointment time with you.. then he can give out the combo information. He should have a special combo for the box not the one it came with. Your agent should put in the listing that all viewings are by appointment only and that an appointment must be made at least 1 hour in advance.

If your area uses supra boxes have one of those installed and have it set up with specific showing times.
If anyone shows up without an appointment tell them they have to contact your agent before they can show the property. You want agents to have access but you also have rights. This is something you need to discuss with your agent... immediately. - Fri Mar 14 2008, 10:05

A property that has been foreclosed is often termed an REO.. which means owned by the bank. That is not to say that a private party could not have foreclosed on a property if the had the loan.. and the property would then also be termed REO... real estate owned.

It can take between 6 months to a year before a bank is ready to market a foreclosed property. Banks typically list their foreclosed properties with a REALTOR and will not even talk to a private party unless they are a preferred bank customer. - Wed Feb 13 2008, 17:48

Over the long term Playa Vista will probably turn into a pretty good investment. The problem with Playa Vista is that you can buy in a number of areas that are in a better location and less expensive then Playa Vista.

We are not used to Mello Roos being part of the equation in a purchase and many buyers are balking at the steep fees. Especially when they have to deal with LA City schools. You can often find a better deal in one of the South Bay cities that have their own school districts and are in a better location.. - Wed Feb 13 2008, 17:41

Rebecca is right you can take them to the dog park but not into any grassy areas. However you can walk with them on the jogging path which is wonder ful for dogs.. You can also walk with them on The Strand which is nice for you.. - Thu Jan 24 2008, 14:04