Monday, April 14, 2014

A Guide To Purchasing Bank Owned REO Properties

By Anita Ortega


Real estate owned properties, abbreviated as REOs are properties that are owned by financial institutions such as banks after unsuccessful foreclosure auctions. Some foreclosed homes fail to get bids especially if the amount owed to a lender is higher than the value of the property. The ownership of such homes reverts to the lender and they become bank owned real estate properties. Banks handle evictions if necessary and they terminate the mortgage.

Banks that own REO properties may also perform some repairs on a property. They also negotiate with the internal revenue service to remove tax liens and pay off any dues owed to a homeowners association. People who want to buy bank owned REO properties receive a title insurance policy. They are also provided with the opportunity to have the property inspected.

When purchasing a REO property, you should examine it carefully before you make your offer. Determine if the price at which it is being sold is reasonable when you compare it to the prices of similar homes in the neighborhood. You should also consider if the home needs to be repaired or renovated and the duration such a project will take. Most banks prefer selling REO properties as is but they offer section 1 pest certifications if a buyer includes it in his or her offer.

You can have a property inspected in any way you want but you have to meet the inspection costs. You may create an agreement to buy a property that is contingent upon an inspection. With such an agreement, you can avoid buying a property if a bank is not willing to meet the costs of repairing significant damages. You may give a bank another opportunity to pay for necessary repairs to a home or provide you with a credit after it has been fully inspected.

Banks may renegotiate offers in order to save the transaction instead of putting the home back on the market. Most banks do not offer financing on their real estate owned homes but you can ask if you can get financing. This is especially the case if a home has extensive damage and you are purchasing it in its current condition.

When buying a REO property, prospective buyers are usually required to fax their offer to the bank that owns it. They are also required to provide the realtor with original documents, a buyer biography and a pre approval letter. Buyers should seek to make offers that are easy for banks to accept.

Banks may follow a different process as they sell a REO property but they usually have the same goal in mind. Banks always seek to sell REO properties at a price that is close to their full market value. When you submit your offer to purchase a REO property, the financial institution will make its counter offer. This offer is usually intended to demonstrate to interested parties that the lender tried its best to sell a home at the best price possible.

Your offer will be reviewed and approved by a number of individuals and companies. Real estate owned properties offer several financial advantages while minimizing the risk associated with buying a foreclosed property. The foreclosure process eliminates all judgments, liens, title problems and taxes. It therefore allows for an easy transfer of ownership.




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