Buying Foreclosure Homes : Why You Should Check Out REO Properties

By Carolyn Langlois

If you are looking for an affordable home, buying foreclosure homes presents a great opportunity. These homes are often for sale at huge discounts. But in this situation it is definitely a buyer beware situation as moving into a foreclosed home may present some unforeseen difficulties. That's why some buyers are opting to only look at buying REO properties. These properties are referred to as REO but are simply real estate owned property.

Buying and then taking possession of a foreclosed home can be challenging for a few reasons. Even if a home under foreclosure is being sold at auction, winning the bid is not the end of the story. Some states have redemption laws which give delinquent borrowers extra time to restore their mortgage to good standing. If the borrower is able to do this, your winning bid means nothing because the borrower retains possession.

It's important to realize that often people just do not want to accept that they have lost their home and they refuse to vacate the premises. When served with an eviction notice some will comply and leave; others will put up a fight. Even when they do decide to leave in most cases they will have a month or two to leave. And if they fight the eviction order, you may have to hire a lawyer to help adding significantly to your costs.

Finally, be sure that there are no liens on the property and that taxes are up to date before you purchase. This is crucial because in some states, buyers may be on the hook for these things.

You can probably see why buying foreclosures can be so risky. To avoid these pitfalls, buy REO properties instead. Repossessed homes are a secure investment because they are properties that have been repossessed by the original lender. You are dealing with a bank or a mortgage company rather than an emotional homeowner. Since banks have so many repossessed properties that they are trying to sell, you can often negotiate a really good deal.

Those in the know agree that buying an REO home is the best way to purchase a property that is in foreclosure. The reason is that when homes come back into the ownership of the lender, that institution has the legal power behind them to evict residents who are reluctant to cleave their homes. So when you are ready to purchase you won't be faced with the unpleasant and often difficult task of eviction. Once you buy you can rest assurre that you won't be facing any legal problems from the former owners because you didn't buy from them.

The best way to locate a REO property is directly through the bank or mortgage holder. Avoid properties that have been listed through a real estate agent. Those properties will be more expensive because the agent will get a percentage of the proceeds so it will be in his best interest to get the best price.

The first step should be to contact banks in the area you are looking to purchase in. If they have some REO properties available schedule an appointment to discuss and possibly view the property. Don't forget to check bank websites for listings that are available in other branches throughout the country.

You can save a lot of money by buying foreclosure homes or by buying REO properties. Just be sure to always do your due diligence whenever you are set to purchase property, be it foreclosures, REO property or even a home listed through an agent. Never sign any legal document without consulting an attorney who is a specialist in real estate law. - 31862

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