Why do the ads for foreclosed houses in the real estate market look so much worse than for the other houses?

I have been looking for a house for abut six months. I have noticed whenever a foreclosed house hits the market the ad suddenly becomes awful. Pictures get out of focus and warped, information gets changed to reflect things that are not true. The location of the house is often wrong in the new ad including the map spot, zip code, even spelling of the town and street! This is true even if the ad was 100% correct the day before.



So what is the deal? Is there some agency in charge of making foreclosure house listings a disaster so that no one will buy them? Because I don't see any sense to it.Why do the ads for foreclosed houses in the real estate market look so much worse than for the other houses?
Truthfully -- It is Realtors that are making these listing look a mess. The problem is is that most lenders only used "Approved" REO Agents, this means that there are a limited number that get all of the listings in an area. This easily overwhelms them and when people have too much work, mistakes are bound to happen -- Is it right, no, but this is a system that isn't going to change anytime soon. Additionally, some Realtors simply don't care if they make mistakes because it isn't hurting them - Chances are the bank is paying them even though they haven't sold the property yet.



Just to give you a heads up, The REO Agents who don't care will also, more than likely, be very difficult to contact and communicate with should you decide to pursue one of their listings. My husband and I found our current house when we noticed it was vacant and did research on our own to find out that is was listed for sale -- There was no sale sign in the yard, and like you listed above there was a wrong picture on the listing, as well as wrong information. When we finally talked to the agent to get more information, the Agent told us the house needed $20,000 worth of work to make it livable - however when we looked at it all we needed was a Fridge and fresh Paint colors - so maybe $1100. It was also like pulling teeth negotiation our contract with this agent when we decided to purchase, but the time was well spent as we are very happy with our home :).



When you are looking at purchasing a foreclosure, you will have to do ALOT of work and research yourself, Agents are not making it as easy as a private seller listing - however, It can be very well worth it :)Why do the ads for foreclosed houses in the real estate market look so much worse than for the other houses?
As for blurry pictures or out of focus pictures, those are taken by overwhelmed agents or their assistants. Bad cameras and foreclosures in remote locations will stop an agent from going to a property more than once. There really is no excuse for incorrect information or misspellings of street names. Foreclosed homes tend to be fixer uppers and bought by investors who will do their own research. They don't care what is written on the listing other than price.Why do the ads for foreclosed houses in the real estate market look so much worse than for the other houses?
The info and photos about a foreclosed property must often be obtained with a hostile occupant as opposed to a willing seller who hires the best agent and gives complete access for photos.

Does anyone know where I can find all the US coast guard locations?

I'm trying to track down all the US Coast Guard locaitons for a map I'm putting together. I need names and addresses or zip codes. Any thoughts?Does anyone know where I can find all the US coast guard locations?
I'd start with

http://www.uscg.mil



That's their official siteDoes anyone know where I can find all the US coast guard locations?
dude the only uscg base you need to think about is astoria,oregon the best training facility in the world periode.Does anyone know where I can find all the US coast guard locations?
Try doing a google search on the Coast Guard.

Can someone list a few running tracks in and around Burbank, CA?

I'm looking for a full-size running track (400m) to practice sprints and long runs. So far I've used Google Maps to find two at Glendale Community College and Occidental College, both a little too far from my house to make it convenient. Burbank High school would be the closest but their track is under repair until late August. Anyone else know of others around the 91502 zip code? Thanks.Can someone list a few running tracks in and around Burbank, CA?
just go to any of your local highschools, besides the ones thats closed

how to apply

Where can I recycle my water bottle for 5 cents each or more?

I live in Pennsylvania Royersford zip code 19468. Ive got about 250 or more bottles I really need to get rid of them. If you give me direction from google or yahoo maps. or give me the ecaxt adress or tell me there isnt any place like that in my area.Where can I recycle my water bottle for 5 cents each or more?
@

www.ollierecycles.com

City, State AND Zip?? Why?

When I address a letter, why do I need to put the City, State, AND Zip code when the ZIP code tells you the city, state and specific section?



What I mean is, if you go to Google maps, or expedia, or mapquest...etc...and type in a ZIP code, it will instantly take you there.

So why can't I just write the ZIP code on an envelope? That's really all they need at the Post office anyway...



For example, If I write: 1234 Street St., 60614 You can easily find that 60614 is in Chicago (Lincoln Park). So why do I also need to write "Chicago, IL" on the letter?City, State AND Zip?? Why?
Actually, if you know the extended zip code (11111-1111); then , I believe, you don't even need the address. The USPS is covertly trying to move everyone to that... Covertly because there isn't any kind of public campaign...yet...
What if there is 123456 N Street Dr, City, ST 10001 and 123456 S Street Dr, City, ST 10004 and you address your envelope 123456 Street Dr, City ST?



What if the City and state get obscured?



And, more importantly, the zip code is standardized and so can be read by machine easier than the city and state which can be misspelled, mis-abbreviated, etc.



In all actuality, you can address a letter without the city and state and it will get where it is going most of the time. And, you don't have to use the zip code. But in either case, you risk slow delivery and non-delivery due to bad address.City, State AND Zip?? Why?
You're right, but these are government workers you're dealing with, and they will go out of their way to make you provide extra useless and redundant material.



But, I do believe if you have the street address and the 9-digit zip code, it'll be delivered to the proper address. I have a PO Box and I have had mail delivered to the PO Box # with only a zip code listed.



City, State AND Zip?? Why?
Good point. It simply increases the chances the letter gets delivered to the correct place since many envelopes are still hand written. If you only put the zip code down then there is a chance one of the numbers could be misinterpreted, or smudge in transit. There are points along the way where the mail is sorted by hand. It's easier to glance at the city and state than to have the USPS employee be able to identify all those zip codes.



Having the city and state spelled out is extra insurance that it goes to the right place.

Where or what is Xanadu, VA?

I work at a postal facility where we process pieces of mail that for whatever reason cannot be read by the scanning machines.



I occasionally see pieces of mail addressed to "Xanadu, VA" with the mysterious zip code "00325."



I cannot find this city on any map. The zip code also does not make sense: Virginia zip codes are in the 220-- through 245-- range. Nor is it a military zip code (090-- through 098--, and 962-- through 966--). In fact, 003-- falls under "Not used."



Anyone know where or what this place is? My best guess is that it's a default value that some company's database automatically enters if you leave the city/state/zip line blank.Where or what is Xanadu, VA?
From what I could find, there is a place called Xanadu and it appears to be close to Charlottesville. It must be a small community or village type place because it is not on any maps - my thought is community. There are weather reports for this place but no exact location can be found anywhere.



An intensive search for 00325 showed a big zero!



Sorry I couldn't be of any help.

Where can I find a chart of the local tax rates in NC?

I am looking for a chart or map of the local sales tax rates for individual counties and|or zip codes (if possible) in the state of NC.



Can't seem to find it on the tax site but maybe I'm overseeing it, and there are lots of awesome people here who can answer this simple question. =)



ThanksWhere can I find a chart of the local tax rates in NC?
The link contains sales tax rates by county in North Carolina as of 4/1/2008.