Pocatello Real Estate Advice (short sales, buying a house, buying)

[Nsomniac66]

I'm one of the lucky ones who decided not to buy a house a year and a half ago, but at this point I am tired of wasting money on rent. At the same time, I am in a position where any promotion would require relocation, so my feet aren't so permanently planted in Poky.

My question is... Should I move forward with buying a house even if there is a chance I am not going to be here for more than a year or two? I know the market is extremely slow right now, and I personally believe it's going to continue moving down at least until summer, so I would have to take that into consideration when making offers.

I have been weighing my options, and I think it would be in my best interest to find someone in a short-sale situation and underpay for a home in order to establish a buffer for home value drop over the next year. Is there a good way to do that? Should I work through a realtor, or is there another source I could seek that would put me in touch with people who need help and are willing to sell for less to someone who is already approved and capable of closing quickly on a home sale?

Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

[twinprism]

Realtors usually have a good inside line on short sales, and think it's a good way to go in this market. Might be able to pick up a deal. Give yourself a buffer so you at least break even if you have to sell quickly and move. That's what I'd do. I considering buying a couple short sales myself and I'm glad I didn't a few months ago.

I'll PM you a good the name of my awesome Realtor if you are interested, while she doesn't specialize in short sales, she'd be a great person to ask.