REO Property

1. Search for REO homes for sale
This entails a little more effort than browsing local real estate listings. You can search for foreclosed properties for sale using federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as online databases such as the multiple listing service (MLS) or Zillow. Lender-specific listings such as PennyMac REO listings also show bank-owned properties on the housing market. 

2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Once you find a property of interest, try to get pre-approved for a mortgage by the lender that owns the home. Confirmation that you’re financially able to purchase the property can make the lender more likely to  accept your offer on the home.

3. Find a real estate agent with REO experience
When you’re looking into buying a bank-owned property, it can be extremely helpful to work with a real estate agent with REO experience since certain aspects of the home-buying process are slightly different when purchasing a bank-owned home. For example, buyers typically receive a general warranty deed, which states that the current owner has the right to sell the property and that there are no liens or  outstanding taxes associated with the home. However, REO homes are often sold  with a special warranty deed, which only guarantees the absence of title issues since  the current lender took ownership of the home. In this case, home buyers would  need to purchase a separate owner’s title insurance policy in addition to a lender’s  policy on the home.  A real estate agent who is familiar with the REO market can  help you navigate these specialized details. In addition, they can help you structure  an offer and guide you through other important tasks, such as hiring a professional to run a home inspection, which is crucial when it comes to buying an REO property.

4. Get a property inspection and appraisal
Although the lender is unlikely to fix any problems that come out of your property inspection, this step is still imperative to the REO home-buying process, as it will help you identify any necessary repairs the  home will need. If you come across any major deal-breakers regarding the property’s  condition, you’ll be able to back out of the deal before the sale is completed, losing  only your deposit. It’s also wise to get an appraisal on your desired REO property.  This way, you can compare the home’s value to its asking price—and possibly  negotiate the amount down further.

5. Negotiate your offer
Bidding on an REO property is slightly different than bidding on a privately owned  home. Dealing with a lender means you won’t have to worry about a homeowner’s  attachments to the property influencing their willingness to negotiate. However,  banks usually take longer to respond because an offer must be reviewed by several shareholders or companies. Banks are also more likely to present a counter-offer  because they need to demonstrate to investors that they tried to get the best possible price for the property. Note that potential  buyers who make offers on homes that  have been on the market for longer than 30 days tend to have greater negotiating  power. (Many banks won’t stray far from the original asking price if the listing is  relatively new to the market.) Once you reach an agreement with the seller, the final  step to closing on the property is making sure your down payment and home loans  are in place. Home buyers and real estate investors who are willing to take a little extra time and renovate extensively may find the REO purchasing process to be  worth the additional steps. But as always, it’s important to do your research and  consult with experts to make sure this is the right route for you.