If she is being told that it's a 4-6 month wait, then your mom is most likely attempting to buy a short sale property not a REO (Real Estate Owned) or bank owned. Bank owned homes typically give a response within 5-7 days and close in 30 days. Short sales have many hurdles and red tape to get through which is why they typically take longer. Although the offer is substantially lower, by the time the bank comes back with an answer, the property value will most likely be in line with your offer.
If you or your mom are not familiar with the process, ask your agent for a full explanation of how short sales and REOs work.
Good luck. - Mon Jun 29 2009, 11:03