Forclosures - Liquid,Risky,and A LOT of work

So, we all want a good deal - right? Especially when it comes to finding your next home. I am blessed with the ability and insight on how to get the great deal. There is good and bad news associated with that though. The good news is that you could save tens of thousands of dollars on your next home. The bad news....these opportunities do not come around often and you have to be skilled to be able to recognize the opportunities (they are not highlighted or flagged).

Sheriff Sales:

So, for pure "blogging" and getting to the point purposes... first of all - you have to be liquid and flush with cash on the date of the sale (if the home costs 100K - you need 100k - not a mortgage or note from Mom). You can/will buy your home from the Sheriff himself. The sales are on Thursdays in Hamilton County and may vary per county (call the sheriff's office and ask). You have to know your target: there may be 20 or more homes for sale at each sheriff sale - only 5 may be in the area you want to buy and three of those five may need too much work for you to stomach.

There is no commission paid to REALTORS. That is good and bad. Good..It saves the public lots of money. Bad...what REALTOR likes to work for free. Honestly, it took me over 15 hours to prep for last weeks sale (drive/walk through by each home, comp each home, research titlework at courthouse). Without the prep how can I honestly be prepared to bid on any property. I walked in with 100K in my pocket and left with 100K in my pocket. Even though I did not buy anything - it was a victory. Better to buy smart than get stuck. So, I would recommend that you hire a real estate professional to work for you on an hourly/commission basis to prep for the sale. Then you are "locked and loaded" to buy. The following link will provide you with previous sale data and upcoming properties that are going on "the block" soon! Click Here for current Sheriff Sale info!

Golden Hill - "There's treasure in thar' hills"

It is not common to be surprised in this industry. The traditional character of North Suburban real estate is large family rooms, 9' ceilings, and basic dollar/square foot. When it comes to housing, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to your peers. North central real estate (for the most part) is about the same. Sure, that home has stainless appliances & granite tops; that one has Pergo flooring. A big "WOW" may be a screened in porch or finished basement.

To all of us who have fallin' into the production character that drove the residential construction and urban explosion of the 90's, may I introduce you to Golden Hill. Sure, the residents of Golden Hill would rather I keep this under my hat...but I just can't keep this secret. It is a charismatic community that has a developed life and style (not created lifestyle).

Golden Hill is a neighborhood that does not thrive on "Home Tours". When a home becomes available - it usually sells quickly. Most of the homes here were built in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. They all come with resumes like - "Bill Hudnut was here" , "a Supreme Court Justice is there"(not to mention those that are confidential). When I entered the area I think I spoke with "Miss Daisy" from the movie "Driving Miss Daisy". During the conversation I caught a glimpse of Forest Gump running down the lane.

The true delight of Golden Hill is not it's resume, it is it's homes. As presumptuous as their occupants, the homes don't have character - they are characters. Each home stands apart in design and purpose. One of the most surprising attributes of this truly historic area is that some of the homes are affordable (notice the word some). Areas within the homes are labeled like ballroom, vestibule, and quarters. You don't have to drive hours to visit historic homes. You just have to head to 38th Street on the way to the colts game!