Personally, I'm glad that 2008 is over with and am looking foreword to seeing some fresh property listings instead of the anemic end of the year models we've been stuck with, particularly for the month of December. Is it my imagination or did listings just vanish after December 1st for no apparent reason? I've grown tired of looking at the same sad listings of short sales and run down foreclosures. Where's all these bank owned properties that are supposed to be weighing banks down? I've only seen a few of them, a mere trickle, will 2009 be the year that faucet finally gets turned on or will they continue to dole them out sparingly like some fine wine instead? I find it incredulous that you should have to pay above the asking price on a foreclosure given the current lack of maintenance on most properties. I also find it amazing that banks are willing to pay realtors a full 6% commission, but not willing to negotiate. Is there collusion here? Could be since buyers are constantly being advised by realtors to offer the asking price on these repo beauties. I saw one bank house listed at 332k that had 34 offers made on it according to the listing agent within a 7 day period. This house was nothing to write home about, but it was the best of the worst properties out there for December which only makes me look foreward to a new year and new listings. Happy New Year!
