More and more home buyers are looking at short sales. Why? The most attractive thing on a short sale is the price you get on the home. We've seen short sales go for substantial discounts, because buyers are forced to wait for 60 to 90 days for an answer.

Here is a key point: The deals are usually 5-10% below the rest of the market. Don't expect to buy a short sale for 40 or 60% below the marketplace. Otherwise you will wait that dreaded 120-180 days for the answer, and most of the time that answer is NO.

One of the benefits of the short sale is getting a home in good condition with a clear title. Lots of those bank owned homes are running into big title issues, which means you might buy a bank owned home and end up losing it down the road.

The reason this title issue does not happen with a short sale, is very simple. You have the sellers signing off on a complete release of any future liability pertaining to a lawsuit. All parties involved in the transaction agree to it.

On a bank foreclosed home you do not have the previous sellers agreement, which means the sellers can sue down the road that they where illegally foreclosed on. The entire foreclosure could be thrown out, and you are left without a home and huge losses. Title insurance only covers you for the cost you paid for the home, NOT the improvements you made after buying it.

This is why short sales are becoming such a big part of the market: less issues in all area.

Next Key point: Work with a Realtor that understands the issues, and has a track record to prove it. You are spending LOTS of money, so make sure that Realtor know the ins and out of Short Sales and Bank Owned Homes.

Take your time to find that perfect home. You should work with someone who supports you on the decision of taking the time to find that perfect home.

I have heard so many war stories from buyers were they were pressured to buy a home that they didn't love. It is the realtor's job to make sure you're going to be happy and satisfied with the house you buy.

Most of the time the right price makes a huge difference. That is why it all comes back to buying short sales. With a knowledgeable realtor it is a simple and easy process.

Knowledge is power, that is why here's the final tips on how to buy a short sell in today's market.

* Be willing to take the time (it's a big investment.)
* Work with a Realtor that has the track record of successful short sales closings.
* Don't get pressured to buy if you don't love it or feel it is a good value.
* Make sure if you buy a bank owned home, you will not have title issues down the road. You can review the title policy before closing, and make sure there are no problems on the title policy.

Buying a home now is buying at the bottom of the market. I predict that in 2011 prices are going to start increasing and your are going to have lots of tough competition from other buyers.

Don't miss your chance to get an amazing deal.

If you want to work with an agent that has all your interest in mind and truly wants to help you get the best deal, then give me a call at 262-844-1900.