Real Estate Education


REO agents need to submit an offer along with a buyer package that may include deposit and proof of funds to the bank.

If you are considering buying an REO, make sure that the price you pay is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood.

Conventional and FHA programs for REOs change regularly and real estate investors must stay abreast of the current loan programs.

There are multiple sources of funding currently available to investors purchasing REO's in Southern California.

Agents who have REO listings that don't sell will often see the listing expire and have the listing assigned to another agent.

Buying cheap cash flow REO's in bad areas will mean lower rents, higher tenant turn over and increased property management hassles for the hold investor.

The only time the deposit check is cashed in an REO offer is when the offer has been accepted.

It is common to see holes beat into the drywall of REO homes.

REO investors must visually inspect houses for the structural integrity of major components such as the foundation, roof, walls, plumbing and electrical. The bank will not take responsibility for the investors mistakes.

Savvy investors take care to preselect good neigborhoods, location and configurations that would be desirable for family living when looking for REO cashflow opportunities.

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

REO buyers should be aware of the following basic FHA loan qualification guideline: Foreclosure's must be at least three years old, with perfect credit since. Remember that these guidelines are subject to change at anytime and you should stay abreast of current loan programs.

REO listing agents are typically top producing agents because of the volume of business they conduct.

REO properties have properly changed hands. All liens against the property have been addressed. Back taxes have been paid. And the title is clear. In some cases, the bank may have done necessary repairs already.

When a Property is sold through a foreclosure auction, do not draw any bidders & does not end in sale goes back to financial institution holding the Property. This type of property is often called as REO property or Bank Owned Homes.

To qualify for the limited-time buyer's closing cost offer, buyers must submit initial purchase offers by October 31, 2009 and complete the closing by December 31, 2009. This could help many families to move into REO homes with more confidence.

In search of a rental portfolio in a down market, many savvy buyers will enlist he services of and REO expert who knows the area, listing agents and inventory well. That way they can make multiple purchases and pick up the right inventory. The REO expert will be compensated with a wholesaling fee.

REO tip..when inspecting an REO take the time to look over the back walls. There can be some surprises such as mobile home park, apartment buildings, or busy street that could have an adverse effect on value.

An REO is a property that has been foreclosed on and has reverted back to the ownership of the bank or lender. What are the benefits of buying an REO property that has been foreclosed on and what are the reasons they failed to find a buyer?

We expect REO activity to spike in the coming months as foreclosure delays and moratoria implemented by various state laws come to an end