 Definition:REO homes are real estate owned homes that are often offered for purchase at a highly competitive rate. The idea of an REO home is often associated with bank foreclosures that are then offered to buyers in the hope of recouping at least most of the investment made by the bank in the property. These bank owned REOs usually involve property where a default on an outstanding mortgage exists. Depending on the circumstances, an investor may be able to acquire the property well below the current market price. Real estate homes that are put up for sale after a bank foreclosure are sometimes sold at an auction. When this is the case, the bank that currently holds the title to the property often is mainly interested in recouping any remaining investment that was made in the original mortgage. Any costs associated with the foreclosure are also often included in the calculation for the starting bid at the auction. The date and time for the auction is announced to the general public, and any investor who meets the credit qualifications may be allowed to bid on the REO homes listed on the roster of items to auction. |
Purchasing REO homes is one method of obtaining a first home at an excellent price. For candidates with excellent credit or the liquid capital to complete the purchase with no delays, the savings can be significant. People who wish to create a network of rental properties often acquire REO homes in order to expand the rental business and offer more homes in desirable neighborhoods. REO homes do not have to be sold by the bank at an auction. Many financial institutions maintain a listing of foreclosed properties and offer them for direct sale to qualified candidates. For this reason, it is often a good idea for anyone wishing to purchase REO homes to talk with a bank about properties currently held in foreclosure. There are also businesses that monitor foreclosure activity and provide information to land speculators and others who are interested in increasing their real estate holdings. These services are often provided in exchange for a fixed fee or a percentage of the final purchase price. Since REO homes are bank foreclosed properties, it is often in the best interests of the banks to provide terms and conditions that will attract qualified buyers. This often includes smaller down payments as well as a break on the interest rates for any financing needed by the buyer. |
 Like to own a bank owned property?You’ve watched the late-night infomercials and you’re ready to do the bank “a favor” and take a problem off their hands. Plus, you expect to make "a killing" in the process. Sounds great and it might just happen, but first you should take a look at some facts and get prepared. |
An REO (Real Estate Owned) is a property that goes back to the mortgage company after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction. You see, most foreclosure auctions do not even result in bids. After all, if there was enough equity in the property to satisfy the loan, the owner would have probably sold the property and paid off the bank. That is why the property ends up at a foreclosure or trustee sale. Foreclosure sales begin with a minimum bid that includes the loan balance, any accrued interest, plus attorney's fees and any costs association with the foreclosure process. In order to bid at a foreclosure auction, you must have a cashier's check in your hand for the full amount of your bid. If you are the successful bidder, you receive the property in "as is" condition, which may include someone still living in the property. There may also be other liens against the property. |
 REO Properties For SaleThe bank now owns the property and the mortgage loan no longer exists. The bank will handle the eviction, if necessary, and may do some repairs. They will negotiate with the IRS for removal of tax liens and pay off any homeowner’s association dues. As a purchaser of an REO property, the buyer will receive a title insurance policy and the opportunity to investigate the property. A bank owned property might not be a great bargain. Do your homework before making an offer. Make sure that the price you pay (if you’re successful) is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Consider the costs of renovation, including time to complete them. Don’t get caught up in a ‘bidding war’ and pay over market value. It’s an old myth that “foreclosures” are a bargain. |
Each bank/lender works a little differently, but they all have similar goals. They want to get the best price possible and have no interest in "dumping" real estate cheaply. Generally, banks have an entire department set up to manage their REO inventory. Once you make an offer to purchase, banks generally present a "counter-offer." It may be at a higher price than you expect, but they have to demonstrate to investors, shareholders and auditors that they attempted to get the highest price possible. You should plan to counter the counter-offer. Your offer or counter-offer will probably have to be reviewed and approved by several individuals and companies. Even once an offer is accepted, the bank may insert wording like “..subject to corporate approval with 5 days." |
 Property ConditionBanks always want to sell a property in "as is" condition. Most will provide a Section 1 pest certification, but not unless you include it in your offer and negotiate the point. They will allow you to get all the inspections you want (at your expense), but they may not agree to do any repairs. Your offer should include an inspection contingency period that allows you to terminate the sale if the inspections reveal unanticipated damages that the bank will not correct. Even though you agreed to “as is," always give the bank another opportunity to make repairs or give you a credit after you’ve completed your inspections. Sometimes they’ll re-negotiate to save the transaction instead of putting the property back on the market, but don’t take it for granted. Banks do not want to see a lot of proprietary disclosures; they are exempt from the California Seller’s Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS-14). If there are real estate agents involved, either representing you or the bank, those agents are required to provide you their disclosure statements. Most banks will not provide financing on their REOs but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Especially if the property has extensive damage and you are purchasing it "as is." |
Before making an offer, have your agent contact the the listing agent and ask the following: Are there any inspection reports? What work has the bank agreed to? Is there a special "as is" form? How long does it take the bank to accept an offer? How does your agent deliver the offer? Offers are usually FAXED to the bank. The listing agent needs your originals. There is no formal presentation. Keep in mind: nothing happens evenings and weekends (banks are closed) Since there is no face-to-face presentation to the bank, provide the listing agent with a pre-qualification or better yet, a pre-approval letter and buyer biography. Make your offer easy to accept. Hopefully these tips will manage your expectations. Remember that REO's sell at pretty close to full market value and are not the deals presented on late night television. |
 Foreclosure Rate at a 30-year HighIt's a sad truth, but because of the increasing number of interest-only loans, adjustable ARM's (adjustable rate mortgage), and the sagging market, everyday people are getting into trouble by buying more house than they can afford. That's why 2008 and 2009 are predicted to see more foreclosures than ever before!
The foreclosure rate is already 53% higher than last year, according to a recent article in CNNMoney.com
|
