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How to Finance an REO - Call (888) 319-3789The time required to purchase an REO is generally much shorter than a short sale as REO's will already have a list price that the bank has agreed to. Most banks will not provide financing on their REOs but it doesn’t hurt to ask - especially if the property has extensive damage and you are purchasing it as is. FHA financing is available for REO homes but generally will require the property to be in decent condition. The last downturn in the real estate market created many millionaires who were able to buy and hold cash flow positive REO properties. Agents who have REO listings that don't sell will often see the listing expire and have the listing assigned to another agent. Buying well researched and identified cash flow REO homes now will create a solid portfolio that will provide great cash flow and equity appreciation in the future. Making an offer subject to a partners inspection, lenders approval of financing, contractors estimate of repairs or any other clause meant to provide you with an exit can cost you the deal. Many homeowners are very angered by the foreclosure process and cause physical damage to the REO property prior to leaving. Home prices are at their most affordable in many years, which has opened up home ownership to many who had been locked out during the housing boom. And now, the federal government and many states are launching plans to hook up buyers of REO homes with very attractive terms. It is important to understand the standard amenities of homes in an area before determining rehab costs on a cash flow rental home. Even if an REO has fresh paint, brand new carpet, new appliances, perhaps even a new roof or siding, it doesn't mean everything in the house is new, or even works. In addition to your ability to pay for a mortgage on an REO (as indicated by your debts and income), FHA will look at your ability to repay as indicated by your credit report. Bank REOs homes are rarely in turnkey condition. Many have been stripped or vandalized, and some are victims of deferred maintenance. HUD does not warrant the condition of its REO properties, but will give you the information it has about the condition of the property you’re interested in. You can use this information in formulating your bid. Before starting the process of buying REO Homes, you need to understand what is involved. Nearly two million foreclosure filings were recorded during the first half of the year 2009, according to the market research company RealtyTrac which will create a glut of REOs for years to come. In some communities code enforcement is looking to thin the herd of run down section 8 rentals by imposing heavy fines on their landlord owners. This is something to consider when looking into buying an REO homes as rentals. REO tip.....Be sure to have a clear picture of your hold time and what the actual hold cost is. Be sure to include market decline. A common misconception is that foreclosures and REOs are the same. Because of all the unknowns and requirements with foreclosure auctions many people prefer buying an REO. |
