Reasons Foreclosures Aren't Always The Best Deal

I always have clients that come to me and say I want to buy a foreclosure.  I ask why? They proceed to tell me because they are good deals!  Home foreclosures occurred in healthy real estate markets in the past, but became far more prevalent after the housing market crashed in 2007. Foreclosed properties are bank-owned homes, also referred to as real estate owned (REO) properties. Banks can foreclose on a property after 90 days of mortgage nonpayment. Homeowners default for many reasons, including loss of their jobs, unrelated financial stress or intentional nonpayment to escape severely underwater mortgages.

Regardless of why homeowners default on their mortgages, banks repossess foreclosed homes and resell properties to recuperate their losses. 

I always have clients that come to me and say I want to buy a foreclosure.  I ask why? They proceed to tell me because they are good deals! 

Read below maybe this will change your mind on why a foreclosure isn't always the 'best deal"

1. Competitive Sales

Everybody always thinks that a banks aim is to offload REO-related property taxes and liabilities as soon as possible. They  think they price properties to sell.  Do you know I just received a price on a home from a bank this week $50,000 over the last comp!  This home is not competitively priced what so ever.  Most banks are now pricing their homes competive with or above current comps.  Banks seek all-cash offers or offers from pre-approved buyers with trustworthy credit and sizable down payments. Most first-time buyers cannot compete with investors who swiftly identify quality REO homes, move quickly making enticing offers and close without financing procedures.

Additionally, if experienced real estate professionals don’t make offers on an REO property, first-time buyers are wise to avoid it, too. Investors often look for homes to flip, and even buyers shopping for fixer-uppers should carefully heed the warning of disinterested experts.

2. As-Is Condition

When you visit an REO property, they don’t have the luxury of visualizing their lifestyles in nicely-staged environments. Foreclosed homes often sit vacant on the market for a period of time before they’re even put on the market. Buyers must stay open minded to see the potential in each property. Consider too that vacant properties sometimes don’t have electricity to power lights for walk-throughs.

Further, buyers of foreclosed homes do not receive property disclosures. Since banks are unfamiliar with the history of properties, buyers accept the risk of purchasing homes with unforeseen damages. It’s unlikely that previous homeowners who couldn’t afford their mortgages were prioritizing property maintenance, leaving repairs for future owners. Buyers should hire thorough home inspectors to survey properties before making offers.

Unlike other for-sale listings, buyers cannot negotiate with sellers (banks) to make upgrades to properties before closing. Banks intentionally price properties low accounting for buyer upgrades. Buyers of foreclosures must prepare to purchase homes in as-is condition.

3. Long-Term Vacancy and Vandalism

In addition to the aforementioned vacancy concerns, some REO properties remain vacant for extended periods of time. Pipes freeze in the winter when homes aren’t heated, bursting and causing costly water damages. Rodents and even homeless transients take refuge in abandoned properties. Before making offers, buyers need to evaluate the health concerns and total costs of repairs to create livable conditions in REO homes.

Banks sometimes permit short sales when borrowers are underwater on their mortgages. Short sales occur when banks accept the resale of a property for lesser value than borrowers currently owe. Short sales are sometimes more cost-effective for banks than allowing 90 days of nonpayment followed by property marketing resale. In many cases, banks do not permit short sales resulting in disgruntled homeowners.

Upset, angry or financially stressed homeowners facing foreclosure often strip properties of removable, valuable features and even intentionally vandalize properties as retaliation. Buyers should account for the costs of replacing appliances and fixtures including dishwashers, sinks, toilets and light fixtures. A foreclosure property may not be worth the inexpensive price tag if countless big-ticket items are missing.

In all, buyers have numerous factors to consider when shopping for homes; one of the major influencers is price. REO properties may meet that objective at first glance, but the challenges of competing for a quality home, the risk of unforeseen damages, the health concerns of unkempt properties and potential costs of stripped appliances may dilute the bargain.