First-time buyers in some areas, especially those with large numbers of foreclosures, are finding that bank-owned properties are sparking bidding wars that drive up sale prices and entice investors – who often pay cash and buy several properties at once.

Recently enacted federal legislation designed to help people remain in their homes has slowed the flow of foreclosures into the market,

• Because of this, housing inventory has become lower.
• Demand for remaining homes on the market have increased.

Homes priced $500,000 or below had an unsold inventory of approximately three months in June 2009. In June 2008, the unsold inventory in this price range was nearly 10 months.

Buyers are advised to work with REALTORS® to help increase the chances that their offers are accepted on homes, particularly those that are attractive to investors. With guidance from a REALTOR®, buyers can present offers that are more likely to be accepted by a bank. REALTORS® also often have knowledge of properties that are new on the market, and may have not yet caught the eyes of investors.

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