I would have to say price more than anything else Especially with the REO property and short sales flooding the market and causing havoc with presentating an offer.The problem starts with the agent who knows nothing about a short sale or foreclosure property trying to guess what is going to happen next and inform the sellers with wishfull thinking.If your package as a short sale is complete ! Your offer will move to the front of the line the loss mitigator will be more than happy to call you up and speak to you and move the process forward.They do have quota's too and to get 1 more file off there desk they will be your friend and gladly answer your call on any other files you bring to them.REO property is a little easier to get through since all the hard part is done with regards to paperwork and the legal acspect of the transaction.When representaing a buyer for an REO property you must have an APPROVAL LETTER and will probally have to get pre quailied through the bank that has the property for sale.Both avenues above are great ways to create equity in buying a home.Choosing an agent who is well versed in neogating short sale and REO property is a valued asset.Please send questions and Good luck and happy house hunting.