A foreclosure property happens when a home is seized and put up for sale on the market by the lender when a borrower cannot meet the financial obligations required upon the agreement. This can include loans, rent dues, and mortgage payments that have been missed for consecutive months. Because of this, the lender can force the sale of a property to pay for the outstanding loan.
In recent years, hunting for foreclosed properties has grown in popularity due to its numerous advantages to the buyer. Unlike other real estate options, these opportunities are one of the best ways to score a great deal on prices while still looking within the boundaries of luxury real estate. As such, these types of sales could be the best real estate investments for you out of all your other options.
Since investing in real estate properties is not an easy decision you can make overnight, it is still important to remember a few factors beforehand. This includes doing the necessary research and inspection of the home to ensure that your investment can meet all of your needs and particular requirements.
You also need to confirm that you are financially capable of making such a decision in the first place and will not lead you into large debts that you cannot repay.
Types of Foreclosure Properties
There are many different types of foreclosure sales that are common in the real estate market. For new investors, this can be confusing and overwhelming. Luckily, this guide to buying a property will cover all the necessary information you need to help you make the best choice for your new home.
Short sales
This type of sale occurs when the owner is willing to accept a lower price for the property than what is initially owed in mortgages. In this case, borrowers will need to provide some form of evidence that they are going through some type of financial hardship, such as the loss of their employment.
Pre-foreclosure
Properties listed as pre-foreclosure entail that the home is offered for sale at an auction, but the borrower remains in default until someone else buys it. If the homeowner can sell the property within this time, foreclosure can be avoided, along with the adverse impacts it has on your credit history.
Government-owned properties
Some properties may be owned by the government and are purchased with loans approved by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). When they go into foreclosure, these properties are repossessed by the government and are sold by real estate brokers who work for federal agencies.
In most cases, you can look at these properties online through the respective government websites.
Bank owned properties
Foreclosure properties owned by the bank are not sold at auction events. Instead, they become real estate-owned (REO) properties managed by those working within that department. These properties can also be viewed on extensive listings online, which can be filtered by searching for specific states, cities, or ZIP codes.
Sheriff’s sales
These types of auctions occur when the lender has informed the borrower of the default and grace period to catch up on mortgage payments. This type of foreclosure sale is established as a quick way for the lender to regain the money they need to pay for the loan on the property.
Often, the auction is held at the local courthouse, which is managed by the respective law enforcement authorities.
Qualities to Look for Before You Sign a Deal
Before you go and begin property hunting, take a mental note of these qualities to help you identify if the property is right for you or not.
Minor repair work
Keep in mind that most foreclosed properties will not be in the best of shape; thus, you’ll have to repair or renovate some of its parts. As such, it is best to look for properties that require the least amount of costly modifications and renovations.
Price
The price of a foreclosure property can tell you a few things about the current market value it holds. However, there may also be an abundance of other fees that you need to look out for, which could significantly harm the budget you had in mind.
Property size
The size of the property is one of the biggest factors that you should look into before purchasing. This is because you will need to ensure that you have enough space to accommodate your belongings and family. Apart from that, the size of the house can also tell you if the price is reasonable or not within that specific location.
Condition of the property
When looking into foreclosed properties, make sure that you look for one in sound and solid condition. Good options include houses that are made from concrete and durable materials rather than wood which can quickly decay over time.
Location and accessibility
Where the property is located is a major factor you need to consider before buying any real estate. Not only does this factor affect the price of your investment, but it is also a major aspect that can affect your lifestyle and how you deal with day-to-day life there.
Taxes and fees
Ask the representative selling the property regarding taxes and other property fees you may need to cover over the next few years. It is better to look for properties with flexible payment terms as taking up large loans can be a big issue to consider to ensure that your finances are in check.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to property investments, it’s crucial to take your time browsing and going through your possible options. This thorough deliberation can make the difference between a worthy investment and a bad one.
Since a home is supposed to be a place where you can feel the most comfortable, it is vital to list down all of your needs and wants to easily cross them off during your viewing. At the same time, this can save you from trouble and disappointment when you are ready to move soon.
