[quote author="littlekitty" date=1226979926]I offered $5700 more than the asking price on a SFH in woodbridge. asking price is 456K. My offer is 20% down, and I have pre-approval of 650K loan from countrywide, but my realtor told me, the bank chose someone else last week, there were 11 offers in 2 days. :down: while everyone is saying the housing price is still going down, but in Irvine, good deals are still so hard to get. I am wondering how much more I have to offer for bank owned.</blockquote>
Kitty, let the prices come to you...don't chase them. In the next few years, prices in Irvine will probably be down 20-30% from current levels, just be patient. To make yourself feel better, check out the rental parity on that property. Add up all of your expenses if you had bought the house (mortgage, hoa, property taxes, insurance, etc) and compare that what the rent you'd be paying if you rented a similar home. I'll bet you that the cost of ownership is still significantly greater than renting.