Monday 4 July 2011

Four Ways to Buy Foreclosed Real Estate

By Maria Valenzuela


Do you have your own home yet? Do you think today is the perfect time to buy a home? If you think so then consider foreclosed homes as one of your options in buying an affordable home in today's not so stable housing market condition.

You can find foreclosed properties in all types of neighborhoods. Just look around your neighborhood and you'll find foreclosure signs. Aside from driving around in low-, middle- and high-income neighborhoods to find foreclosures, you can inquire from mortgage banks, agents, and friends where you hope to live or invest in. Real estate agents who specializes in different types of foreclosures are a good source of information on where to find great foreclosure deals. You can also check newspaper ads and online real estate websites for foreclosure listings.

Most real estate agents and Realtors recommend that the safest way to buy foreclosed properties is through buying bank-owned foreclosures. Fortunately, home buyers can buy foreclosures in one of the following phases:

Pre-foreclosure - In this purchase the homeowner still has control over the property. This purchase is know as a short sale so investors try to negotiate a deal to the homeowners who are delinquent on their loans. In the buyer's part, this is purchase is already a discount since the price of the property is below the market value. But this first phase is still the grace period where the home owner still has at least six months to pay off the default amount.

Auction sale - In an auction sale, you are buying the home as is. Although the fact remains that you be bidding against lenders, this is another great way to find foreclosed homes. You'll reap rewards on this purchase, but there are disadvantages that you should be aware of. The lender is not making any profit in this sale and there would be no money left for the homeowner. One disadvantage is not being able to conduct any home inspection.

Real estate-owned (REO) - In this sale, no one bids higher than the default amount so the lender acquired the distressed property. In return, the lender will have no option left but to sell it for profit. Since this is a lender-owned property, it is considered the easiest and the safest method in buying foreclosed properties. Moreover, this type of foreclosure offers the least value but with the most competition.

Government-owned - Buying foreclosures that are government-owned can amount to more paper work and a potentially slower process. But the price might all worth it but real estate agents suggest that a buyer should check and estimate all expense including the repairs to be made.

Indeed, foreclosed Boise Idaho real estate are cost-saving and provide a rewarding experience for any potential home buyer and even real estate investors. Foreclosures is a type of investment that should be well thought of to make sure that you get all rewards. Do some research and consult with a foreclosure expert to ensure of a smooth home buying negotiation.




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1 comment:

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