TWIN CITIES MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL FORECLOSURE PROPERTIES BUYING GUIDE
Foreclosure properties are a taking over the inventory of properties for sale in the Twin Cities. Foreclosure Properties can provide value for an investor or home buyer. The purchase of a foreclosure property is similar to traditional property sales, but there are some differences to be conscious of. Foreclosure properties are owned by banks and often referred to as an REO Property. When dealing with a bank verses a traditional property seller, you need to be prepared. Approaching the foreclosure purchase with the proper mind set, will make the process easier. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind.
#1 Cash or Mortgage Approval REQUIRED
Before you even think about putting in an offer, you must demonstrate you have the financial resources to make that offer. And because the best foreclosure properties go quickly, you may not have the luxury of finding a home and then getting a mortgage approval. By the time you have your approval that foreclosure property may no longer be available.
#2 Be Prepared to POUNCE on a foreclosure property.
Like all properties on the market today, the ones that are priced well, sell fast. Therefore, you need to be ready to buy, when you find the foreclosure property that meets your needs.
#3 What to offer? A Foreclosure Properties Realtor can help.
Foreclosure Properties historically offer an additional savings of 15%. This figure comes from the Minneapolis Association of Realtors in a recent special report. Before a bank (REO properties) is put on the market, the bank will ask Realtors to provide a report called a BPO (Broker Pricing Opinion). They use this information to determine the asking price. Also, a bank does not have the emotional attachments that a traditional seller may have. However, banks are eager to move their foreclosure properties portfolios and this can lead to more aggressive foreclosure properties pricing.
#4 Foreclosure Properties are sold "AS IS"
Remember foreclosure properties are bank owned. Banks have never lived in the home or even been to the foreclosed property. On top of that, banks want to sell these homes fast. They will not accept an offer that is contingent on selling a home, mortgage approvals, inspections etc.
That does not mean that you cannot do an inspection. You just need to do it before you place an offer. It is recommended that an inspection be done, so you do not encounter any surprises and you are aware of any repair costs, if any, and of course peace of mind.
#5 PUT YOUR BEST OFFER IN
OK, you have not asked for an inspection, your offer does not have any contingencies, such as an appraisal, and does not ask for repairs or seller concessions. Your foreclosure property offer does not need not be structured as the above, but be aware that a bank will probably decline your offer if not done this way.
Now, what do you offer? A knowledgeable foreclosure property Realtor can guide you in this matter. Each foreclosure property is unique, in location, time on market, condition etc. You need someone to do extensive research on your behalf when you locate your ideal foreclosure property.
#6 NOW YOU WAIT....
Banks are never as quick to respond as a traditional home seller is. The reason is often the foreclosure property offer, must go through many layers of approval. Putting in deadlines on a foreclosure property offer, can mean nothing. Calling the bank will not speed up the process. You are on their time.
Something else that may slow the process is title issues. The foreclosure property may have some extra liens that need to be cleared to ensure you have clear title.
#7 ENJOY YOUR NEW FORECLOSURE PROPERTY!
You have done everything right and you are now a proud owner! Buying a foreclosure property has paid off in many ways. You may realize instant equity, and you know you have made a contribution to the housing market. Enjoy!
If you need advice on how to find a foreclosure property, making an offer, finding the best discounted locations or anything related to purchasing a foreclosure property, http://REOSphere.com is a good place to start. They can be reached at 612-414-2541.
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