Time is running out to claim the $8,000 first-time homebuyers tax credit! We’re down to three months before the limited-time government-sponsored program expires on Dec. 1, 2009.

That might seem like enough time to get in on the action; however, finding, financing and then closing on a home can take as much as 90 days. And if it’s a short sale then the process will likely take longer … much longer.

So if you have any intentions of saving as much money as possible on the home of your dreams then the time to act is right now.

We decided to sweeten the pot, which will hopefully provide you with even more incentive to search for the best real estate deals in your area before the prices start climbing back up. And before the last-minute rush on the most affordable homes begins … if it hasn’t already.

For the next three months (Sept. 1, 2009 to Dec. 1, 2009) we are giving our blog readers and Twitter followers a special discount offer to search our nationwide real estate database of more than 1.8 million distressed real estate listings. We refer to it as the “Tax Credit Countdown.”

Foreclosure.com is already FREE to search for seven days — no strings attached, cancel at anytime. However, sometimes house hunters need more time to comb through and visit all the awesome deals right in their backyards.

Therefore, we’re slashing our monthly subscription — already among the cheapest in the industry — by 30 percent! That’s savings, on top of tax credits, on top of more savings (you can find homes up to 50 percent off on Foreclosure.com every day).

So how do you get started? It’s simple.

Just visit this registration page: www.foreclosure.com/registration.html?rsp=0 and insert the phrase “taxcredit” (no quotes … just taxcredit) where it says “Click here to enter a promo code” (see screen shot in the extended entry).

That’s it!

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Several of Century 21’s top real estate agents from throughout the nation recently descended on the Westin Diplomat in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to participate in a training retreat.

Century 21 — the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization — recently selected Foreclosure.com Agent University to put a select group of industry professionals through its Certified Foreclosure Agent training program.

This is a career-building certification course designed specifically for individuals who are interested in foreclosures and expanding their business to include sales of Real Estate Owed (REO) properties, short sales and other distressed real estate.

All of the Century 21 agents who participated in the comprehensive learning experience were required to complete and pass an exam for each of the three topics presented receive their Certified Foreclosure Agent “Specialist” designation. For more background on the “Specialist” designation click here.

We had such a great group — many of agents flew in a day early and left a day late because of opportunity to travel to South Florida and, in the process, take home skills that will grow their businesses.

To learn more about the Certified Foreclosure Agent program click here. Broker owners and managers should contact us direct (866.382.4445) for more details on bulk pricing savings.

What an exciting prospect!

With so many hot properties still on the market, this could be the month you find that one amazing deal of a lifetime.

But how do you narrow down your selection with so many great opportunities from which to choose?

The August 2009 edition of Foreclosure.com’s free educational newsletter, “Investment Exchange,” is now available, which details how you can find the best real estate deals in your area with half the effort … and for half the price.

Search smarter, not harder!

With the market saturated with deep discount properties, finding the one that is right for you in that perfect area will be key to making it big. And this month we’re going to show you how.

It’s a great time to make the jump, whether it’s your first home or investment. Foreclosures and bank-owned homes are more than likely now available in your area for unheard of low prices; however, these homes are in high demand.

In fact, distressed real estate sales account for a huge chunk — more than half — of all transactions today.

So it’s important to know how, when and where to search for great deals and capitalize on them before someone else does — timing is more important than ever before.

Get a jump on the competition and check out “Find the Deal” to get the head start you need today to breathe a sigh of relief (and satisfaction) tomorrow! CLICK HERE.

Remember that “Investment Exchange” is a FREE resource that Foreclosure.com provides its site visitors. Sign up to receive the educational real estate newsletter each month at no cost right here.

“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.