Looking for a Realtor, Info on Foreclosures, houses less than or around $100k (Huntsville: real estate)

[Jolly Josh]

Hey everybody,

My wife and I are trying to find a house that is move in ready but affordable. We are a single income family with an annual income about $50k and would have about $3k or so for a down payment/financing. I assumed based on this we would most likely be stuck with a FHA type loan but I've read about various 80-10-10 loans as well but didn't know if that would work with our limited income/savings.

We would prefer a house in the country with more privacy/land/space for a garden while at the same time keeping a redstone arsenal commute to around 45 minutes or less each way. We aren't closed off to homes in the city, but a nice safe neighborhood is a must. I'm interested in homes Lacey's Spring, Gurley, Owens Cross Roads, or others that may have a nice home at a moderate price with a commute that works.

On the Realtor front I guess we are looking for someone who is open minded about finding a foreclosure type property or someone who has experience with finding houses in the country/suburbs around Huntsville.
If anyone has any recommendations for realtors, areas to look at houses, the best websites for foreclosures, or info on first time home buyer incentives/programs or info on mortgage financing that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

[TurkeyRuben]

Not sure why you say "stuck" with an FHA loan. FHA loans are good products.

You might want to add Hazel Green to your list. As well, the further out you get in Hazel Green, Gurley, Lacey's Spring, etc, you may qualify for USDA Rural Financing. This is also a great loan product.

Before you need a Realtor, you need a loan officer. You need to sit down with the loan officer, give them your specifics and find out exactly for what you do qualify. This will save you and your Realtor a lot of wasted time and effort. Once you know this piece of the puzzle, you are 3/4ths of the way to finding the right property.

Other stuff -- what kind of house do you want? Do you want a manufactured or mobile home on a couple acres? Do you want to be in a subdivision? Do you care if you have a brick house or wood? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you want a fence? Garage?

Once you know what you can spend, you need to figure out what kind of home you want. THEN and only then are you ready for a Realtor.

[Reactionary]

Best website for real estate:

HAAR | Valley MLS

[TN2HSV]

If you're looking for a more rural area, a lot of those properties qualify for USDA rural development loan financing program, which is GREAT right now.

Hazel Green, Toney, Ardmore, Brownsboro, Arab, Elkmont, etc, etc. You actually have a lot of options around here for finding a bargain. Give me a call! (I PM'd you)

And visit Huntsville Area Real Estate

[Southlander]

Lacey's Spring or the east side of Morgan County.