Martin Wise

Hi Connie -
You can view in advance a list of homes that are going to be sold at the courthouse steps, by visiting http://www.fayettedailynews.com and clicking on the "legals" link. Homes are published for 4 consecutive weeks and then sold on the first Tuesday of each month.
Also, homes listed in the MLS can be searched for "foreclosure status", Being that you are a cash buyer, that shows strength when negotiating with banks (they know in advance, that your offer is NOT contingent on you getting a loan.
DO NO fall for a scam selling you a list of foreclosed homes. You can get these for free at the newspapers legal notice. PS - Foreclosures in PTC are few and far between compared to in-town Atlanta. All the best in your efforts!
Martin - Mon Jun 23 2008, 06:07

OK - I just have to give my "2-cents" worth. I grew up in Vienna, VA, lived in Ft Lauderdale, FL for years and then 5 years ago went all over the Metro Atlanta area evaluating where I wanted to live (it took WEEKS). Peachtree City is now my home. The local city's office website is below.
Just thought I'd mention it!
Martin - Tue May 6 2008, 11:19

Ronnie,
Be sure to compare any BANK lender with a mortgage broker. Ask for a "truth in lending statement" from each then ask the other to compare it (it's amazing how they'll tell you things about the OTHER that you won't hear directly from them). Here's something you should know: Banks do NOT have to disclose the money they make like traditional mortgage companies do....they have different rules allowed by the federal government. There's a great article online at http://mortgagecents.blogspot.com/2005/11/local-banks-vs-mor… that gives an overall comparison. So do you homework....afterall you're going to be paying for it over the next several years.
Good luck!
Martin - Tue May 6 2008, 11:14

Hi Mary,
Banks are a peculiar business. There is simply no time frame for them (or so it seems) when there's interest on a property. Even if your offer has a "time limit" for acceptance, they tend to overlook it and proceed at their own pace.
For example: recently I submitted an offer on a bank-owned home the day after it came on the market. I offered $215K for a home listed at $195K......yes, $20K more than list, because I knew they had multiple offers and it was still a great deal. They had 4 different offers and, this time, they acted pretty quickly - within 4 days accepting an offer for $200K. Why not mine? The other offer had more earnest money (I could have put more, but only put $2500 earnest money on the contract). Go figure, but the bank took $15,000 LESS than my offer......Lesson learned.
Best advice? Be persistent, dont be attached to the property, and keep going after it or others. There ARE deals to be had, but you have competition and each bank acts in their own time frame.
All the best!
Martin - Tue May 6 2008, 11:03

Hi Jessica,
While I am not in your area, I can tell you that lenders (and their requirements) are a little crazy lately. I would honestly suggest checking with another lender. Keep in mind that when you shop for a mortgage, credit bureaus consider different lenders credit checks as only ONE pull. It is wise to get a second opinion!
All the best!
Martin - Wed Apr 2 2008, 14:12