If you are one of the many ethnic groups that have been disenfranchised as a result of the current credit crunch in the housing market, you can take heart - investors may be stepping in to fill the gap. In the Northern Virginia Market, once one of the hottest Real Estate markets in the country, prices in some areas have corrected by as much as 50% off their highs from just a couple of years ago. However, many minorities have been locked out of the opportunity to take advantage of the market correction because of the drastic changes in the underwriting criteria of many lending institutions, reserving ?lending rights? to only the cream of the crop. However, these changes inadvertently keep housing inventories high by holding off key buying segments.

A definite change is occurring in the markets. Some investors are stepping in by purchasing properties and offering buyers owner financing ? filling the void for those buyers ?who are falling through the crack? of the tightened lending environment. Companies like ThePadSeller.com, headquartered in Herndon Virginia, have realized that the opportunity to provide a housing to these segments is both good for the community, and good for business. ?It makes sense, as a business that prides itself in its creative approach to buying and selling real estate, that we should lead the way in helping families get into properties when others can't or won't,? says Jules Carney, Managing Partner of ThePadSeller.com. ?We have the ability to help deserving families, and make a difference in our communities, and yes make a profit.? ?We offer programs that get buyers into properties for as little as $500.?

Investors often have the ability to finance properties through Lease Options, Lease to Purchase, Land Contracts and other methods. Often owners qualify for more traditional financing in as little as 12 to 18 months because they show they have been able to make regular payments. ?I encourage anyone interested in buying, that does not think they will qualify, to talk to an investor about buying through these owner financing options,? Mr. Carney continued ?? the time is right, and the market is right.?

While Congress helps bail out Fannie and Freddie, their bill, and others local initiatives often do little to place these lower-priced homes into the hands of ready buyers, Investors may hold the key to correcting this market.