What buyers and investors need to know about VA Repos

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Properties, Inc., ABR, GRI, SRES

There are many types of foreclosures available in Colorado Springs and one type of foreclosure is a VA Repo. These types of properties are sold by the Veterans Administration (VA).

There are a few important things buyers should be aware of when looking to purchase a VA Repo in Colorado Springs.

1. Inspection - Normally, buyers reserve the right to perform an inspection of the property they wish to purchase and if something is discovered during the inspection regarding the home's condition, buyers can normally terminate the contract and get their earnest money back. VA does not have an inspection clause in their contract and buyers run the risk of losing their earnest money if they back out of the contract. Also, VA properties are "sold as is" so dont' expect the seller to pay for repairs.

2. Title Insurance- VA does not provide title insurance for their properties, therefore, buyers have to pay for title insurance that the seller would normally pay for in normal transactions. Title insurance varies depending on the contract price of the home and adds a few extra hundred dollars to buyer closing costs.

3. Contract- The contract to purchase a property owned by VA is different than the Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate that is used in Colorado. The contract is only two pages and is made up of four sections. The buyer also determines the amount to be given for earnest money and if VA does not see it as sufficient they can make a request for more.

There is a benefit for investors who wish to purchase a VA Repo but do not have enough funds for a 20% down payment that is required by most lenders on investment properties. VA Vendee financing allows buyers or investors to purchase a VA property with as little as 5% down.

 

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If you are interested in purchasing a VA Repo, contact Patricia Beck, your Colorado Springs Realtor.

Comments (5)

Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Sellers pay for title insurance in CO? In Massachusetts the buyers pay for title insurance whether it is VA or not.

Feb 05, 2010 01:02 AM
Patricia Beck
RE/MAX Properties, Inc., ABR, GRI, SRES - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Realty

That's interesting Bill!  Buyers pay for the lender's title insurance but the main policy is paid by the seller.

Feb 05, 2010 05:31 AM
Guy Thomas
WR Starkey Mortgage - Colorado Springs, CO

Good information to make purchasers aware of when dealing with the VA repos. It is interesting how these agencies can do as they please while the rest of us jump through the hoops when transacting business in the real world. What's with that?

Feb 05, 2010 10:02 AM
Patricia Beck
RE/MAX Properties, Inc., ABR, GRI, SRES - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Realty

Guy- Tell me about it!  They don't even sign any of the disclosures like everyone else is required to!

Feb 06, 2010 04:44 AM
Adam Malachi
A 2 Z Realty LLC - Castle Rock, CO
QSC,CDPE,CIPS,CNE,CRB,CRS,GRI,MRE,SFR

Well done!  Very good information to know! Make sure your Buyers are aware!

Thank you very much for sharing!

 

Mar 09, 2010 03:59 AM

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