Welcome to the REO Information Center
| Top 10 Myth-understandings About
Buying Bank Owned Property. (REO’s) Myth #1 I have to pay to use a buyer’s agent. Reality False Fact ~The banks pay our fee, it costs you nothing to receive our professional guidance and representation and we work only for you.
Myth #2 I will get a “better deal” by going through the listing agent of an REO property. Reality The listing agent’s client is the bank. Their obligation is to negotiate the best deal and price for the bank, not you. Fact ~As buyer’s agents we work exclusively for our buyers, representing their best interests at all times.
Myth #3 Information about REO properties is only available through a paid subscription to a foreclosure website or REO listing agent. Reality REO properties are listed in the Multiple Listing Service. (MLS) Fact ~We have access to all properties listed in the MLS and can provide you with information on any property free of charge.
Myth #4 I need cash to purchase an REO property. Reality Financing is available on most REO properties, depending upon condition. Fact ~We can assist our clients with obtaining financing. We can also negotiate closing cost credits on your behalf.
Myth #5 You never know what you’re getting when you purchase an REO property. Reality All REO purchases are contingent upon your approval of inspections. Fact ~We assist our buyers with the entire inspection process to assure you are comfortable and well-informed about your home purchase.
Myth #6 All REO properties are damaged and being sold in poor condition. Reality Many of the homes are in great shape and some have been completely rehabbed by the bank prior to going on the market. And yes, there are some value-priced fixer uppers out there too! Fact ~As your buyer’s agent, we will screen for the exact condition of property that suits your needs.
Myth #7 REO properties may have liens, taxes, assessments and past judgments that the new owner will be responsible for. Reality The banks are responsible for clearing all debts on their properties. Fact ~The title company and escrow process assures you clear title to the property at the time escrow closes and you take possession.
Myth #8 REO’s are always well-priced and the banks are giving them away! Reality The banks have a worksheet and bottom line number they have in mind. Fact ~We provide our buyers a current market analysis to calculate a fair market price and then negotiate with the listing agent to get you the very best terms and price.
Myth #9 REO’s or Short Sales are the only good deals in the current market. Reality There are many motivated sellers in this market who realize they must be competitive to sell their homes. Fact ~Due to individual needs and situations, an REO or short sale is not always the appropriate home to pursue. We assess our buyer’s needs and tailor their home search to situations that will result in a successful purchase.
Myth #10 Only low priced homes are available through the REO market. Reality REO properties are available in all price ranges and neighborhoods. Fact ~The foreclosure situation has hit homeowners across the board. You can purchase a home for under $100,000 or over a million dollars. It’s a great time to be a move-up buyer! |
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Definitions Foreclosure: The legal process by which a borrower's interest in mortgaged property is taken because of a default on the loan. This usually involves a forced sale of the property at public auction with the proceeds of the sale being applied to the mortgage debt. Foreclosure Time Line:Source: Ticor Title Co Day 1 - Notice of Default from Lender Filed Day 10 - 10 Day Notice Sent to all Parties Day 35 - Redemption Expiration Date Day 90 - Order Trustee Sale Day 120 - Trustee Sale Day 130 - Record Trustees Deed upon Sale If these properties are not sold at the Trustee Sale they are taken back by the bank and become "Bank Owned" or REO (real estate owned) property and are generally listed for sale through local real estate companies and the Multiple Listings Service (MLS). REO properties can be excellent investment opportunities... providing proper care and due diligence are exercised during the purchase process.
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| Short Sale - A sale of a house in which the proceeds fall short of what the owner still owes on the mortgage. Some lenders will agree to accept the proceeds of a short sale and forgive the rest of what is owed on the mortgage when the owner cannot make the mortgage payments. (Be aware that Nevada is a "Deficiency Judgement" state and you should seek expert legal advice before entering into a contract of this nature).
Short Sales are often the first step in the foreclosure process and can occur before or during the foreclosure process. In some cases, a Short Sale can be advantageous to the homeowner due to the "Mortgage Debt Relief Act" passed by congress which has removed the tax implications caused when the lender forgives the borrowers mortgage debt. The Short Sale process can be long and tedious and should probably not be the first choice of someone looking to purchase a home within a short time frame. To begin with, a Short Sale must be approved by the lender, and if there are two or more lenders all of them must approve. Lenders also require specific paperwork to be submitted by the homeowner to see if they QUALIFY to do a Short Sale. At a minimum this usually includes; a hardship letter, W-2's, pay-stubs, bank account statements, tax returns and other financial information required for the lender to get a complete financial picture. After reviewing the information the lender may still deny the Short Sale. Once the lender agrees to a Short Sale there are still numerous hurdles to be overcome. Buyers and sellers interested in pursuing Short Sales should work with agents experienced in these kinds of transactions. Patience and knowledge are key to the successful close of these often complicated transactions. As Short Sales are a relatively new process in our market, the rules are ever-changing and your real estate agent must keep up-to-date on the rules of the game. |
