Note:

[mandolin]

I am not allowed to look at real estate listings any more, not until I've talked to my realtor. It's too depressing and frustrating and is only making me think that I should stay in my apartment instead of handing over my entire life savings as a down payment. And I've got a lot of money saved, too.

(Of course, I also know that if I hold off on buying any longer, prices around here will get even WORSE. And if I do buy, watch, the value will drop.)

Sometimes I hate this state.

Comments

[violetbloom.livejournal.com]

See, this is why I pretend the situation will just go away if I wait. It's very depressing. Talk to a realtor that you trust. It will help. I promise.

[marielogan.livejournal.com]

Also, Mandi, go and talk to a good banker. They'll talk to you, especially with the prospect of holding your mortgage. And poof to them if you don't want to borrow from them.

By the way, we throw all of our money into land, or other things. Money in the bank is idle money... invest it :)

Hey, if you get lonely for it, you can always sell and get it back :)

[mommie-geek.livejournal.com]

Get a real realtor/buyer's agent. They should be giving you MLS as soon as they come on the market. It could be weeks before a listing hits the paper or online, but the realtor has access to it the day that it is listed.

Also ask around and talk to a few good brokers; get recommendations. Talk to a few banks. Find someone you feel comfortable with.

It is incredibly trying, but well worth it.

[mommie-geek.livejournal.com]

Oh, yeah, and before you start seriously shopping: CHECK YOUR CREDIT.

You want to make sure of two things: that nothing that isn't yours is on there, and you want to OPT-OUT. See, JUNK DEBT BUYERS (read: unscrupulous collection agencies) want Money and they don't care who they get it from or how they get it. They are sold lists by the Credit Reporting Agencies; these lists will include lists of active credit reports. If your report is active, it means one of two things: you're trying to repair your credit or you're going for a big purchase. Either way, they see it as a way to get money, and many times they won't cross check identification; they'll throw a collection on your credit report before you can blink twice.

So, that's my oh-so-very-important advice. If you already knew this, then just ignore me. :P