Bob Ramalho

Berkshire Hathaway - Verani Realty

  • Home
  • About
  • Video Library
  • Info
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
  • Property Search
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact

Bob Ramalho November 28, 2018

5 Creative Ways To Buy A Foreclosure

5 Creative Ways To Buy A ForeclosureBuying a foreclosed home is easy, right? After all, they sell for pennies on the dollar, right? Well, that could be a false assumption. Buying a foreclosed property appears easy on TV, but in reality, it can be overwhelming. 

Foreclosure sales continue to decline in the market from 38.6 percent in 2011 to 14 percent in 2017 but ticking up a bit in 2018 according to Attom Data Solutions, a national property data company. As foreclosure sales drop, competition for these properties become stiffer and more complex. And as home prices increase in most cities, buyers often turn to foreclosures as affordable alternatives for landing their dream home

Foreclosures usually occur when homeowners can no longer pay their mortgages and the mortgagees seize the properties. Once former owners vacate the properties, lenders typically put it on sale at discounted price or auction to the highest bidder. 

Foreclosures give homebuyers the opportunity to get great deals. While foreclosures can save you thousands of dollars, it may come with risks. Having a stomach of steel can help when pursuing a foreclosure.  

To mitigate the risks involved, keep the following hacks and tricks in mind.  

Budget Carefully 

Don’t allow a small price tag to entice you into a quick deal. Ask yourself the following:

  • Do you have sufficient dollars for extensive repairs? 
  • Do you have a team ready for any required repairs or are you handy at doing them yourself? 
  • Can you find a tenant if you intend to rent?

If you conduct thorough research, you’ll minimize the risks. 

Get A Home Inspection 

Though foreclosures are usually sold “as is”, you need to know the property deficiencies. The home seller can allow you to bring in a competent home inspector. Your inspector will give you a list of what the property lacks and the cost estimates needed to complete the renovations. You may even want to hire a home inspector after purchasing a foreclosure just to get a thorough review of the property.

Ask For Vacancy Duration  

Ask how long the house remained vacant. In most cases, long vacancy means more damages. For example, plumbing seals may dry out, bugs get into the house and sewer gases back up. 

Don’t Ignore The Landscaping 

Neglected landscaping contribute to house deterioration. Tree seedlings grow roots into the foundation and vines crawl into the windows. Small trees can also mess up pavers, and dead branches can break and crash into the house.  

Be Cautious With Auctions 

Although auctions are common with foreclosures, it’s best to avoid them. And if you can’t, be vigilant when bidding. Competitive bidding can raise the value so high that you end up losing money after the cost of repairs. 

It’s always best to work with your trusted local real estate professional to find foreclosure properties. They are experienced in determining the quality of the properties and can help you through the tenuous foreclosure purchase process.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Budget, Foreclosure, Real Estate

Bob

Bob Ramalho


REALTOR ®
Cell: 603-440-3697
Office: 800-392-2377
Email: bob.ramalho@verani.com
NH License #067453
MA License #9550545

Logo
Verani Realty: (800) 392-2377

View My Recommendations

Sign Up For My FREE Newsletter!

Connect with Me!

How can I help?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent Articles

  • Suffering in a ‘Low Inventory’ Real Estate Market? 3 Helpful Tips for Finding a Home to Buy
  • Should Your First Home Be A Starter Home Or Forever Home?
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 16, 2022
  • Getting to Know the Neighbors: 3 Tips for Building Good Relationships
  • Manufactured, Mobile, And Modular Homes: What Are The Differences
  • Offering Asking Price: Is This Offer Competitive In The Current Market?
©2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.®

Looking For Something?

Our Location

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty
One Verani Way
Londonderry, NH 03053

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2022 Bob Ramalho. All rights reserved.   Log In