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Today in this crazy depreciating market is it a good time to invest in real estate? In Northern California I just keep watching by the day the number of bank owned properties increase exponentially. Every day I take a look at the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and watch the properties pile up and the banks unwilling to budge. The problem is so many houses need major repairs not just carpet and paint. I have never seen so many houses with addition and poor construction of course they were unpermitted and must be removed. Once you step into one of these projects do you have the funds to stay afloat?

Don't worry there is hope out there for the investor in Northern California. In Sacramento County there are so many bank owned properties that the banks are starting to lower the price to move inventory. They have properties that have cash flowing potential. It will depend on the amount of work and funds needed to bring them to substantial living conditions. Of course the other primary factor is going to be financing.

The financing is going to be the biggest determining factor for any investor. You are able to get these bank owned properties about thirty- percent under market, but the prices are falling so fast. Do you think that you will be able to pull your money out in time? It is becoming so hard to get traditional financing and hard money lenders are too expensive most of the time unless the deal is amazing. Do you know that there is a seasoning period after you buy your investment property before you can refinance and pull your money back out. The typical shorter seasoning period is about six to twelve months depending on your loan. There are lending institutions that will allow you to refinance in as little as a day. The catch is that they will charge you a higher interest rate. Typically the interest rate will be approximately one and a half percents higher than your typical seasoned loan. You also have to take into account the time it takes to process your new loan. That is going to determine if you are able to pull your money out or not. If you get a great deal you might be able to pull you money in time before the value decreases or just be there when the prices bottom out.

Certain media groups are still predicting a ten-percent decrease in values still to come. If you are out there to make the quick buck I don't think it's the right time to buy, but if you're a true investor buy and hold is a great way to go. Take a drive to a Realtor that will let you make low ball offers and see where it takes you. If you're a flipper I wish you good luck, it's possible but not likely. Remember do your research and spend the time. Good luck in your future real estate investments!