“Buy foreclosures now — before it’s too late“

That’s the bold headline today from an extensive article on CNNMoney.com. And if you’re among our many frequent visitors then it may look familiar — we’ve been passing along the same important message as often as possible.

Put simply, it’s an incredible time to purchase a home.

Prices are down across the board, allowing first-time homeowners to finally achieve the American Dream at prices they can afford. Desirable neighborhoods that were perhaps out of the question just a few years ago are now within reach.

But how long will these market conditions, and the once-in-a-lifetime prices, last?

Foreclosure.com Founder, President and CEO, Brad Geisen, shared these thoughts in the CNN write up:

“We’re seeing [foreclosures] go very quickly. Offers come in immediately after the listing comes on the market, within 24 hours…. In this market, if [lenders] can liquidate them fast, it makes more sense to get them off the books.”

Indeed, lenders are pricing properties to ensure that they “move fast.” That means unbelievable deals, which in turn creates multiple offers and very few counter offers.

Remember that foreclosed homes are typically — even in the best market conditions — already discounted. So what we are currently experiencing are deep discounts on already discounted homes. That attracts buyers, lots of them, meaning that the distressed real estate will be cherry-picked first before investors/buyers move on to other properties.

The numbers tell the tale — more than half of all recent real estate transactions involve some type of distressed real estate or foreclosure.

So the message is simple and clear: Don’t wait around. Find a great deal. Submit your best offer. Live the good life … for half the cost!

Start searching for foreclosed homes in your area today on Foreclosure at absolutely no cost with our FREE 7-Day Trial.

Boca Raton, Fla. — Aug. 3, 2009 — Foreclosure.com today announced that it is working with Fannie Mae to re-launch HomePath.com, improving the user experience and home-buying opportunities for individuals throughout the United States.

Fannie Mae’s HomePath.com site, which includes all Fannie Mae-owned properties, now runs on Foreclosure.com proprietary HelixII™ technology. It contains listings with comprehensive property details, including photos, maps, community statistics, complete address, contact information and more.

In addition, the latest version of the site has helpful community tools such as school information and demographics, as well as several calculators, to help future homeowners make more informed purchase decisions.

There is a wide selection of homes currently listed on HomePath.com, including single-family homes, condominiums and town houses, which are located in a variety of neighborhoods in all corners of the United States.

Interested buyers are able to connect with Fannie Mae listing brokers directly via telephone and e-mail contact information contained on these Web pages. These listing brokers will then walk buyers through the purchase process step-by-step, as well as introduce them to the best possible financing options offered through the HomePath® Mortgage Financing program.

“Now is a great time to buy homes,” said Brad Geisen, president and CEO, Foreclosure.com. “With the re-launch of HomePath.com, Fannie Mae has made it easier to locate them, as well as choose from several different desirable financing options. We’re thrilled that Foreclosure.com is able to facilitate this process because we, too, strive to help people achieve the American dream at prices they can afford.”

Foreclosure.com provides backend support to enhance search features on HomePath.com for Fannie Mae. Its proprietary platform, which has been tested and upgraded continuously since 1999, ensures data quality, stability and security at all times.

To view the site or to search Fannie Mae real estate listings nationwide visit www.HomePath.com today.

It’s starting to sound like a broken record; however, the Foreclosure.com Community Expert Program (CEP) and its nationwide network of agents is still going strong.

We’ve already detailed several testimonials from busy, profit-earning CEP agents here, here and here.

Naturally, we continue to receive positive feedback from our agents and brokers who are beating back buyers/investors who are looking to cash-in on the unbelievable real estate opportunities currently available.

It’s a huge buyer pool — nearly half of all transactions today involve some type of distressed real estate. CEP agents are strategically positioned on the frontlines of this all-out market assault thanks to the unrivaled Web power and reach of Foreclosure.com and its affiliate partners.

In fact, our online traffic has never been better, reaching all-time records month-over-month since the start of 2009.

Literally millions of buyers search our industry-leading database of nearly two million listings each month. And CEP agents, as well as their multiple buyers, are among the many who are riding this big wave of success right to the closing table.

Hear what just a handful of them have to say this time around:

Read the rest of this entry »

The United States Department of Commerce today issued a report, indicating that perhaps the national housing market is on the road to recovery.

For the third consecutive month single-family home sales have increased. In fact, from May to June 2009, the seasonally adjusted annual rate grew 11 percent to 384,000.

It’s the most dramatic rise in nearly a decade (Dec. 2000), according to the report. And historically low interest rates, as well as the government-sponsored $8,000 tax credit, have a lot to do with the improvement.

Of course, the new home sales figures would more than likely be significantly better if buyers/investors weren’t aggressively pursuing foreclosures and other distressed real estate deals. Remember that foreclosure-related home purchases today account for nearly half of all homes sold on the market.

It’s a staggering statistic … especially if you’re on the house hunt.

So rather than getting beat to the punch, you’re best bet is to frequently check out what’s available in your target buying area. And if you don’t have time to keep track of all the great deals that come along literally daily, then we recommend signing up to receive our FREE foreclosure email alerts.

Enjoy the selection and assortment of great real estate fortune while it lasts — it doesn’t happen very often.

Freddie Mac, a top player in the home mortgage market, announced today that it will offer attractive new incentives to potential homebuyers who purchase foreclosure homes as part of the HomeSteps SmartBuy sales promotion.

Here’s the deal:

If you find and buy a foreclosure home through HomeSteps® as a primary residence, Freddie Mac will throw in a comprehensive two-year home warranty, as well as pay for your closing costs (up to 3.5 percent of the sales price).

To search for available Freddie Mac foreclosure listings in your area click here.

HomeSteps SmartBuy is a limited-time promotion. It will run from July 17, 2009, to Oct. 31, 2009. Closings must be complete no later than Dec. 31, 2009, to qualify.

The warranty program, which covers the “home’s electrical, plumbing, air conditioning and heating systems, plus major appliances such as water heaters, stoves, washers and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators,” will be ongoing.

Keep in mind that you do not have to be a first-time buyer to participate — the home would just have to serve as your primary residence (not a vacation home, investment property, etc.) However, the good news is that if you are a first timer you can take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that expires on Dec. 1, 2009.

HomeSteps SmartBuy is just another reason to get in on the action while the gettin’ is good — act now before it’s too late! The clock is ticking … literally.

For more information please visit www.HomeSteps.com or call (800) 972-7555.