How to Find an REO - Call (888) 319-3789


Investors who are able to buy, rent and cash flow with REO homes now will realize a great passive income in the future.

Most foreclosure auctions do not result in bids because, if there was enough equity in the property to satisfy the loan, the owner would have probably sold the property and paid off the bank.

Conventional and FHA programs for REOs change regularly and real estate investors must stay abreast of the current loan programs.

The current REO inventory holds many opportunities to create a monthly cash flow on Southern California rental homes.

An asset manager is the internal position within an REO department that allots the listings to local agents. They are judged on their ability to find agents that can quickly sell the inventory at the highest price.

It is important for investors to follow the sales statistics in the area they are buying in so they can make confident and competent REO offers.

If other buyers ask for 17 days on an REO, for example, to conduct inspections, and you ask for 10, you will be deemed the more serious buyer.

Many of the poor condition and damage issues associated with REO homes is due to the homeower taking out their anger on the property.

Some areas to pay attention to when inspecting an REO for water damage are around the bathrooms, water heater, solar equipment, water softening equipment, attic spaces and under the kitchen sink.

Many REO investors seeking cash flow buy and fix a property based on overly optimistic market rent and incur long holding times before reducing the rent low enough to attract a qualified tenant.

HomePath Mortgage Financing is available on Fannie Mae homes and the benefits may include low down payment and flexible mortgage terms fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, or interest-only.

Fannie Mae depends on the expertise of local real estate sales professionals and accepts offers only through their real estate listing agents. You may work with any real estate sales professional to submit an offer to the real estate agent who has listed the REO property.

To attract buyer's agents, many banks offer a larger percentage of the commission to the buyer's agent while discounting the REO listing agent's commission.

Banks may require a cash REO buyer to show proof of funds. This rules out obtaining a refinance on a residence unless the money is already in the bank.

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.

Many REO experts are involved in wholesaling their REO homes. They will pass along a deal they found in as is condition to another buyer for a nominal fee.

REO tip..When inspecting an REO look underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks for evidence of water damage and mold. Extensive damage or mold can mean a costly cabinet replacement and/or mold remediation.

Short Sale versus REO: Big difference! If you make an offer on a home that is potentially a short sale, you will work with the seller and the bank, with the bank (or banks) being ultimately the decision maker on your deal.

The REO option offers many more benefits and less stress than the foreclosure auction. When a bank takes back a property they then have the property listed as a salable asset on their books.