Foreclosure houses can sit vacant for long periods of time, look distressed, and require extensive work to be inhabitable. When a property owner fails to make the payments, the property is subject to a foreclosure auction. If no one makes the minimum bid at a foreclosure auction, ownership of the property stays with the lender. Foreclosure property is purchased at the auction or from the lender after the auction.
Foreclosed houses and property might sell for less than market value. Homeowners and Investors often seek foreclosure property in an effort to save money. To get a good deal, the purchaser carefully inspects the property because most foreclosure property is sold “as is.” Usually it takes Investors five (5) steps from finding and closing on a foreclosure property.
Foreclosure Auctions
The bank or lender files a notice of default with the county recorder's office when the property owner fails to make the mortgage payments. If the owner does not make up the payments, the property usually sells at an auction on the steps of the county courthouse.
Notices of the auction are posted at the courthouse and in the legal section of newspapers. For the property to sell at the auction, the purchaser must make the minimum bid. Usually, payment is required immediately after the auction. If the minimum bid is not reached, the lender owns the property or “takes it back”.
Find A Foreclosure Property
To find out what properties will be auctioned or otherwise are available to buy, contact real estate brokers who specialize in foreclosure property. Lenders usually contract with real estate brokers to sell foreclosed houses or other property. Lists of available foreclosure properties are found on websites for banks, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other government housing agencies. Also you can obtain a list of upcoming auctions usually from your county or city tax department.
Inspect The Property
It usually isn't possible to carefully inspect a property prior to a foreclosure auction. But once the lender owns the property, inspections are allowed. Visually inspect the property and arrange for a professional home inspection. Request that the utilities be turned on to check for any electrical or plumbing problems.
Contact a title company and arrange for a title search to uncover any liens on the property or other problems. Assess the value of the property and estimate the cost of needed repairs and upgrades.
Arrange For Financing
If cash isn't available to purchase the property, contact a bank or other lender to arrange for a loan prior to making an offer. The type of loan often depends on whether the purchase is for a primary residence or an investment property. Determine whether a loan is necessary to purchase the property as well as fix it up.
Make An Offer
With the assistance of a real estate broker, place a competitive offer. Be prepared to pay earnest money when making the offer. Earnest money is a deposit that indicates the buyer is making a serious offer. Follow escrow instructions once the property owner accepts the offer.
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