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Featured Topic: REO


The time required to purchase an REO is generally much shorter than a short sale as REO's will already have a list price that the bank has agreed to.

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.

Conventional financing is available for REO properties but will require a substantial down payment, good fico score and documented income.

The last downturn in the real estate market created many millionaires who were able to buy and hold cash flow positive REO properties.

In experienced REO buyers that can not follow through on their offers, make many agents leery of working with investors.

REO investors who understand the market values in their chosen areas are able to make quick and confident buying decisions beating the novice investor to the punch.

If there are no offers on the REO home, you can probably offer less than list price and get your offer accepted. However, if there are more than two offers, you will most likely need to offer above the asking price.

It typically takes about 30 days for an REO to be prepared for sale by the REO listing agent. In some cases they must evict the homeowner through the court system.

It is important that REO investors look for water damage and the evidence of mold as the water service may not be on and leaks can not be easily evaluated.

Some of the most successful buy and hold investors repair their properties to high standard and rent at sightly below market. This allows them to find and retain renters who have an interest in keeping and maintaining their houses for a long period of time.

Fannie Mae's HomePath database includes only properties that are owned by Fannie Mae

REO buyers should be aware that FHA loans are the easiest type of real estate mortgage loan to qualify for. The FHA guidelines for loan qualification are the most flexible of all mortgage loans that require less than 5% down payment. Remember that these guidelines are subject to change at anytime and you should stay abreast of current loan programs.

You will have greater negotiating power if you make offers on homes that have been on the market for longer than 30 days.

It is the best time to invest in REO or real estate which will give you a higher return when the market condition steadies or improves.

If you need a loan get your loan application not only pre-approval or pre-qualified but underwritten also.

The REO warranty Home Protect will cover electrical, plumbing, air conditioning and heating systems, as well as ductwork and many major appliances. Freddie Mac will pay for the first two years of the warranty after which buyers will have an option to continue the warranty on their own.

It is good to see a neighborhood at different times of of day. A quiet street at noon can be a war zone at night. This reality will be encountered by your renter and can affect rent amount and vacancy rates.

REO tip...REO homes usually have no water service on, you may want to look up in the attic for any broken pipes or mold damage and check the interior walls and ceiling structures for water damage.

A common misconception is that foreclosures and REOs are the same. Although they are similar they are in fact different with the REO being the direct result of a foreclosure option sale.

Savings of 20% to 30% off the fair market value are absolutely possible, making an REO purchase the best way to buy a property for the first time home buyer or property investor. They give prospective buyers immediate access to the property for inspection. They remove all liens and back taxes. They allow negotiation on all rehab costs, interest, closing points and loan amounts. The purchase is described as 100% risk free and they may allow a less than normal down payment. The bank will also evict the tenants if necessary. So you can see the benefits of of buying REO properties. In today's housing market the glut of foreclosures has created a rare investment opportunity for those who know what they are doing.

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