Apr 13, 2006 -- How to bust through the bubble safely
The Wall Street Journal published a recent report about the areas of the country with the greatest risk in terms of the housing market. There are three main areas. One stretches from San Francisco south to southern California and west to Arizona; the second encompasses nearly all of Florida; and the third includes the mid-Atlantic states from New York down through Virginia. Why is it happening? Part of the reason is that speculators have pushed prices up by buying up homes they never intended to live in. They bought them thinking they could flip them someday and make money. Well, now these people are under water and they cant get rid of them. So, what can you do if you have to move and need to sell your home? Well, first of all if you plan to sell, youre not doing yourself any favors if you are listing your place for the same amount as others are. Becoming a landlord may be an option for you. If you dont want to take the loss, put the place up for sale and wait it out. Be realistic about what the marketplace will afford you. Youre holding a bad hand right now, but you can work through it.