That’s because a “startling” 87 percent of first-time homebuyers feel that finding a move-in ready home is important to them, according to a recent survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Homebuyers these days are so fussy, in fact, that they “walk out of well-priced houses solely because of relatively minor imperfections” such as:

• The kitchen appliances are by different manufacturers
• There are no granite countertops
• A carpet needs to be replaced, or the color doesn’t match their furniture
• Wall colors are “wrong”

Most of these complaints seem trivial, but perhaps more alarming, fixable … for relatively modest costs, too.

As a result, buyers are “missing out” on excellent deals. Minor imperfections that “would not have bothered shoppers during the previous two decades.”

It’s clearly a buyer’s market these days and the rest of us are just living in it.

To find foreclosed homes for sale near you click here.

When investing in real estate often times we don’t pursue our dreams because we feel like we don’t have the money to put toward making them a reality.

The great thing about distressed real estate, however, is there are different ways to invest. And there are several creative options that you can consider — such as bird-dogging — without touching your daily bank account.

Today, for example, I was asked to present about investing in foreclosures for a self-directed IRA company. A self-directed IRA is a great tool because you can determine how to utilize the fund and guide its path … just like you can with a smart real estate investment.

Real estate, therefore, is a great complement to self-directed IRAs.

As I mentioned earlier, going to work as a “bird dog” is a great way to start becoming an investor. All it takes is a keen eye and forward-thinking organizational skills to turnover the property (or properties) in the shortest amount of time for the most profitable amount (s).

A savvy investor — the person who would lend you the money to bird dog for him or her — is always open to a great deal. There is so much information out there that sometimes him or her misses the golden opportunity because he or she can’t see the forest through the trees.

That’s where you come in.

So don’t let your emotions about money stop you from moving forward. When there’s a will, there is a way

“First they ignore us, then they laugh at us, then they fight us, then we win.”

– Gandhi

This memorable quote may be what you experience if and when you start (or restart) a new venture.

And if you’ve thought about buying or investing in real estate recently, it’s entirely possible that you have been met with a few quizzical looks and several skeptical remarks.

That’s because the housing market is so unpredictable right now. The collective  economy, too, is still shaky.

All that may not matter to you, however, if you see the bigger picture. Specifically, mortgage interests rates, as well as housing prices, are at record lows. Prices will eventually correct, which puts you — as a homebuyer or investor — in a nice spot moving forward.

When investing in real estate there may be people who ignore your desire and/or dream. Some may even scoff or laugh at your “foolish” decision to invest in real estate at a time like this.

However, if real estate investing is something you really want to achieve then ignore the doubters and proceed with your passion. In the end, you — not them — will have to live with your decision.

Wouldn’t it be nice to invite them along as you laugh your way to the bank several months/years down the road?

Regardless of your decision — or whatever else you do in life — do something you love. Passion will fire your personal energy source and lead you to the finish line.

Foreclosure is the ultimate contradiction: It’s horrible for those who have to endure it yet fantastic for those who can capitalize on their misfortune.

It’s the way things have always been and will continue to be seemingly forever.

Wall Street Journal today published a great story about the “Faces of the home foreclosure crisis,” which highlights all sides of the process, including the first-time homeowners who were able to buy a home that they otherwise never thought they could afford just two years ago.

The future Mr. and Mrs. Sands of Seattle, Wash., recently scooped up a $300,000 lakefront home, saving nearly $70,000 on the final purchase price. It’s a far cry from their former “cramped $600-a-month studio apartment.”

Mr. Sands, naturally, is thrilled about the buy:

“This is a freaking dream house…. We wouldn’t have been able to afford a house if the market hadn’t dropped…. It should be an inspiration to any other people like us. Being able to buy a home is one of the most important decisions you can make.”

Indeed, the housing nightmare really is a dream for some. And in a struggling economy, which has forced way too many families out of their homes, it’s good to know that it at least opens the door for other deserving folks.

To search foreclosed homes for sale in Seattle and elsewhere throughout the nation click here.

Right now, during the winter months, according to National Association of Realtors® President, Ron Phipps.

He elaborates in a recent press release:

“Traditionally there are far fewer buyers competing for properties at this time of the year, so serious buyers have a lot of opportunities during the winter months. Buyers will enjoy favorable affordability conditions into the new year, although mortgage rates are expected to gradually rise as 2011 progresses.”

Translation: If you’re serious about buying, the time to do it is now … before New Year resolutions, as well as higher interest rates, begin to kick in.

To search foreclosed homes for sale in your area, including short sales and other distressed real estate deals, click here. You can expect to save 10 to 15 percent at a minimum and up to 50 to 60 percent!

Hurry … the best deals don’t last very long. At all.