Sue Archer

Just like with bank owned properties...find a home that meets your needs, then do independent valuations of it with your realtor. Assess repairs needed and include that into your valuation. Then decide on a strategy in offering your price and terms.

Short sales will take longer in most cases, and they may or may not end up closing. That depends on if the listing agent really has commitment from the bank to consider a short sale and at what price. Bidding wars normally take care of themselves in a short sale, because buyers get tired of waiting so just stick to what you value the property at and don't worry as much about the competition. They normally drop off after time. - Yesterday, 08:14

Congratulations on your purchase of your new home!

The title records show that Citibank sold it, but it was part of a trust. The owners before you, that had gone into foreclosure, had a loan with Accredited Home lenders.When it's part of a trust, the only ones that has the contact information for the asset manager (the actual person with authority to sign as the seller when you bought the home) would be the title company and the listing agent. Your realtor might be able to help you with that but they don't have the direct contact information either.

Hope that helps. - Yesterday, 08:08

What is inferred in the other responses, is that you should have your own buyer's agent on the transaction. If you walk into the model home, they would like you to register, and at that time, you are not allowed to bring in representation if you decide to purchase in their development. Make sure you have your buyer's agent with you, or don't sign in until you do. (You can browse the homes without signing in, in most cases)

Negotiations in this market, whether for a new home, or resale home, is key to getting the right deal for you. Especially with a new home, where they want you to 'do it their way', this is true. As with Elizabeth, I have been successful in negotiating great deals in this market for new homes. It's important to read know the current financial stability of the builder, his reputation for quality over time, and the nuances of new home sales, such as if there is a transfer tax associated with that specific complex.

You don't mention the development that you seem to be focused on. If you give us that, we can give you more insight. You can write here, or write to us directly. - Yesterday, 07:55

As both an investor, business owner, as well as a realtor, I've found there was no one more knowledgable than Ed Cook 916 705-4958. If he doesn't know the answer, then he researches is. But he seems to know everything in my book! - Yesterday, 07:48

Your question implies the pricing is still diminishing, and at a fast rate, and Anatolia 'much faster than in Folsom'. While the housing market has been hit with not only the financial downturn with foreclosures, but then had that coupled with the impact of other economic factors....my opinion is we're bouncing at the bottom.

Folsom was hit less than Anatolia. Anatolia began, and grew, during the mid 2000's and as a newer community was harder hit with foreclosures that pushed their values down. It's not had a chance to complete it's plan of a fully functional community yet, with a new high school, and shops planned. Folsom has grown over a longer period of time, had done a great job on planning the community, and seen far less impact on its values.

Choose based on your lifestyle needs for a community, and your affordability. You can find 'bargains' in both communities but the decision will be based on more than price.

Good luck! - Sun Nov 16 2008, 14:49