Utilize The Lender's Misfortune To Increase Your Charlotte Investment Property Holdings

By Samantha Preston

In these days and times, there are many instances of people taking loans to buy property and being unable to pay back the mortgage. This is where the lenders are left with properties that they have to re-possess from the defaulting buyers and then sell it through a loss mitigation department. These repossessed properties are known as REO properties and cannot be auctioned openly on account of which these are sold at rates much lower than market rates. Given the vast selection and choice available, investors can have a gala time looking at acquiring such Charlotte investment property.

REO properties are by their very definition lacking in equity. Otherwise, they would have been sold at the auction. These properties are definitely not for everyone. There are risks associated with purchasing a property "as-is". REO properties are homes which have been legally repossessed by lenders after a homeowner has failed to pay a mortgage. Since lenders simply wish to recoup the money lost on the loan and do not want to pay the management costs on a Charlotte investment property, they are often willing to price these REO homes below market value.

REO properties are also foreclosed properties, but the different part about them is that they could not be sold at an auction. These properties were sent to the bank and they are not carrying a mortgage anymore. REO properties are sticky for lack of disclosure purposes and liability releases more than anything else. You will be informed that the lender is basically released from all liability because they have no clue about the home. REO properties are usually listed for sale with local real estate agents. Given the current state of the economy, lenders are selling their REO properties for a greatly reduced price.

REO properties are a financial burden to banks. All of the upkeep is their responsibility. They are usually sold as is, so a thorough inspection is necessary to estimate the rehabilitation costs. Software programs exist that allow you to print inspection forms and work from a set of standard rehab specifications to help you accurately estimate rehab costs. REO properties are a drain. Each day that a property is vacant, it costs money to maintain.

When it comes to REO properties, lenders are not too keen on holding on to it. This is why they immediately list it with local real estate brokers to facilitate a quick sale. Sometimes they also create special packages for buyers who are interested in buying properties in bulk. But given the economic scenario prevalent currently, more often than not, lenders are able to get only a fraction of the value of the property concerned.

Buyers attempting to buy foreclosed properties will need to understand a few basic principals, because the competition on a well-priced REO can be intense. A well-priced REO will draw multiple offers and your competition may well include professional investors. Buyers can either opt for direct loans or guaranteed loans here. Direct loans are funded directly by the government under its rural housing plan. Buyers are required to pay in cash at the auction and they have little chance to inspect the Charlotte investment property before purchase, so REO becomes a better option. However the public auction presents the opportunity of some of the best bargains and saves you the trouble of dealing directly with the lender, jumping through their hoops. - 23212

About the Author:

Samantha Preston is a real estate investor who enjoys Charlotte rental property. Her specialty is real estate in North Carolina.