REO Properties

Buying REO properties is a wise move for acquiring real estate deals for investing purposes – however, it also has some challenges. REO property is real estate-owned property. This property has gone through  foreclosure after the owner defaults on the mortgage and cannot attract a buyer at a foreclosure auction. Now the bank owns the property. REO property is becoming synonymous with some of today’s greatest investment deals in the real estate world.

Read: Can Overseas Pakistanis buy property in Pakistan?

Beginner and small-scale investors tend to keep their distance from REO properties. However, experienced investors are mindful of how beneficial these investment properties tend to be. Thus, if you’re thinking of investing in real estate, continue reading to know why buying REO properties is a wise choice for beginner investors and the facts that an investor needs to be mindful of before venturing into the real estate-owned territory.

10 Steps of Buying REO Properties

Purchasing REO Properties is relatively similar to buying available homes. It can be better understood in a ten-step guide that is given below:

1. Search for properties
2. Seek a lender and financing option
3. Locate a buyer’s agent with REO experience
4. Compile a list of real estate owned properties that you like
5. Get an appraisal and compare it to your asking price
6. Make an offer with the help of the agent
7. Inspect the property or review the previous inspection report
8. Negotiate a beneficial deal and look at the paperwork carefully
9. Finalize the loan and verify the status of the title
10. Close the deal by signing the documents

Pros of Buying REO Properties

1. No Outstanding Taxes: Most REO properties are sold to investors free of title liens and other outstanding claims. The bank wipes out any liens against the property, and the majority of the time, banks also make sure all taxes are paid.
2. Discounted Prices: Once the property is real estate owned, the bank is at a disadvantage regarding losing money on its investment. Therefore, banks try to get rid of any property they repossess. Consequently, banks are more receptive to sell such properties at a discounted price than to hold onto them. Sometimes, the property is sold for even less than the market price.
3. Yield Higher Returns: A landlord can purchase REO property and turn it into a rental property. Resultantly, the property will yield rental income, and the real estate investor will profit from cash flow. Contrarily, an investor can flip the property since REO property sells for a lower price; a house flipper can buy, rehab, and sell them ready to make profits.
4. Home Inspection option: An investor will inspect the property or ask to review the inspection report. This has two benefits. Firstly, it provides a transparent layout, including current conditions and repairs necessary. Secondly, it will assist when the time comes to sit down to negotiate.
5. No Homeowner to deal with: The negotiation process will be easier as the investor will be negotiating with a bank that wants to recoup its losses rather than a home buyer who is personally attached to the property.

Cons of Buying REO Properties

1. Higher Competition: There is generally higher competition as investors know how smart this investment opportunity is. Thus, numerous investors submit offers, and you need to be ready to tackle the competition.
2. Banks Sell REO Properties “As Is”: The bank does not agree to carry out any repairs, and sometimes these properties are in dire need of extensive repair.

Also Read: Pakistan Real Estate Forecast 2022

4 Tips for Purchasing REO Properties

Investors should follow the tips given below when buying a real estate owned property:

1. Research the real estate market thoroughly: The investor shall properly research the market and neighborhood before making a deal. Thus, eliminating misunderstandings in the future.
2. Get a Pre-Approval Letter: As mentioned above, there is high competition in the market. Thus, If the investor has a pre-approval for a loan, it puts him ahead of the game and helps save time on acquiring these real estate deals.
3. Collaborate with a real estate agent: Real estate agent is experienced and has expertise. The agent helps in saving time and effort in finding beneficial properties through real estate investment analysis and market analysis.
4. Do your property title research: You can do it yourself or hire a professional.

REO Property FAQ’s

Q1. What is REO Property?

Ans. REO stands for real estate-owned property, and it is a property that is foreclosed. Therefore, REO property is a liability for the bank, and they want to sell it off quickly.

Q2. How Can I buy REO Property?

Ans. You can buy REO Property through banks or real estate auctions where investors bid on properties.

Q3. Are there any advantages of buying REO Properties?

Ans. Yes, there are numerous benefits of purchasing REO properties. Such as discounted prices, no outstanding taxes, high returns, and you do not have to deal with any homeowners.

Q4. Is there anything that can delay REO Sale?

Ans. Any city or country code violation can delay REO Sale. Violations may include squatters, plumbing issues, or construction on a non-permitted area.

Q5. Where Can I Find REO Properties?

Ans. You can directly contact a lender or go to a bank that sells REO Properties.

Q6. Does buying REO property have any disadvantages?

Ans. Yes, disadvantages may include high competition and extensive need for repair and maintenance.

Conclusion

Buying REO Properties is a challenging process that requires time, energy, and knowledge to succeed. However, beginner investors can readily navigate the exciting and profitable world of real estate-owned properties with due diligence and understanding. In addition, Estate Land Marketing has a team of professionals who are happy to provide any further assistance you may require.