short sale, home foreclosuresThe new year is here, and if you want to buy a home this year, the market couldn't be better for you. There are many short sale properties on the market that you could buy right now. It's a good time to start looking, because it's really a good buyers' market right now. There are many home foreclosures on the market that you can get for at or below appraised values, just as there are short sale homes available.

Of the two choices, the short sale may be the better buy because it is likely to be better maintained. When homes go into foreclosure, the owners who are leaving the properties often haven't done much to keep everything in good condition, so you could be facing some surprises when you move in. However, if the foreclosed home needs repair and you enjoy doing painting or fixing things up, you could likely find yourself a great home for less than the market value. Lenders are anxious to get their REO inventory off their backs, so if you are capable of fixing things up, look at both the foreclosed homes and short sales to find a wonderful place to live for a great price.