Thursday 17 April 2014

Facts About Buying 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.

Some banks may choose to pay for necessary repairs on a building. Banks also request the IRS to eliminate tax liens from the house and pay off debts owed to associations. Individuals who purchase bank owned REO properties are provided with a title insurance policy. These people are also allowed to have the property examined by a professional inspector.

When buying a real estate owned property, it is important to investigate the property before you make an offer. Make sure that the asking price is comparable to the prices of other homes in the neighborhood. It is also important consider the cost of repairs or renovations and the duration it will take to complete them. Banks usually prefer selling properties in their current condition but they usually offer a section 1 pest certification if you include it in your offer.

Banks allow buyers to get all the inspections they want at their own expense. It is important for investors to ensure that their offers include an inspection contingency period allowing them to end their agreement to purchase a REO property if an inspection report indicates the presence of significant damages that will not be corrected by a bank. Investors should request banks to give them a credit after they complete their inspections or request them to repair the property.

Banks usually renegotiate offers to save a transaction instead of putting properties back on the market. Most financial institutions do not allow buyers of REO properties to finance them but buyers can inquire if financing is available. This is particularly the case if the home is extensively damaged and they are buying it as is.

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.

The offers that banks receive are reviewed by several firms and individuals and they are approved if they are satisfactory. REO properties offer a number of financial advantages. They minimize the risk associated with purchasing foreclosed homes. The process of foreclosing a home eradicates all taxes, title problems and liens allowing for straightforward transfer of ownership.




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