As far as flip projects we took a hit in the crash but nothing like back East, Vegas, Phoenix etc. there are some local deals but its a feedin frenzy banks are waiting up to 2 weeks to look at offers.

ED is usually for the taking of property for public projects and has been limited to such until recently when corporates have hit the communities up from the tax angle and highest and best use, IMO.

Darryl Dahlen hit the concept spot on.

There are these things called utilities - you know, things like electric, water, gas, phone, cable, etc. - that are turned on when somebody lives in a house.

I assumed it was public knowledge not to hide it but perhaps limit future losses.....but then again, it might not be so bad of a hit, I wouldn't hold it, but he may be happy to.

My area was not hit very hard...considering, but we know what has happened in some places.You can't expect years of a disater in the making to be solved overnight, IMO.

Should an earthquake hit that is big enough to level my house, I would imagine that most houses would be leveled.

You can always hit Craigslist or the sears outlet for discount stuff.

I've talked with a few lenders, and it seems that I will be hit with up to 5 or more points because of the small loan amount, my credit score (690) and only 80% LTV.Is this pretty typical for a small loan?

In light of the recent bankruptcy, I get the impression that the place has hit bottom.