Q4: How do I buy property I see posted on RealtyTrac? – Answer: How you go about buying a property posted on RealtyTrac depends on the property status. If the property is For Sale By Owner or a Resale Home, you would approach the owner or the listing agent to make an offer. If the property is in foreclosure, the process of buying will differ from the typical real estate purchase.
Q3: How do I buy bank-owned REO properties? – Answer: The lender/bank has taken ownership of the property, either through an agreement with the owner during pre-foreclosure or at the public auction. The lender usually sells the property to recover the unpaid loan amount. The lender typically clears the title for any buyer, but the potential bargain is often less than a pre-foreclosure or auction property.
Q2: How can I buy an auction property? – Answer: After a property owner misses several mortgage payments, the owner has a pre-foreclosure grace period of a few weeks to a few months — depending on the state — to bring the payments up to date and stop any foreclosure proceedings. If the owner does not bring the delinquent payments up to date during the pre-foreclosure period, the property will be sold at a public auction.
Q10: How do I find the market value for a home? – Answer: For subscribers, RealtyTrac provides Estimated Property Market Values on the Property Details page of property posted on RealtyTrac. The Property Details page also includes tax lien and bankruptcy information. Register for a 7-day free trial subscription to get full access to RealtyTrac’s property data and services. If you’re not a subscriber, you can order an automated valuation report from RealtyTrac to find the market value of a property. Go to our Property Reports Matrix to view samples and order reports that will help you research market value and transaction history. Market value is an estimate of what the property will sell for on the current real estate market. Keep in mind, when determining the final offer you want to make on the property, you will need to balance the market value with any liens against the property and estimated repairs. Subscribers can use RealtyTrac’s Xamine Worksheet to calculate a property’s potential bargain based on market value, outstanding liens and repair costs. Subscribers can also use Xamine to check if a property is listed with a real estate agent. On any Property Details page, click What’s Next>Evaluate The Property, which is located in the upper right corner. If you work with a real estate agent (which is recommended for first-time foreclosure buyers), the agent can provide professional advice on the value of the property and how much you should offer. Contact an Agent to find a local real estate agent in the RealtyTrac Agent Network who can help you buy a property.
Q1: If the property is in pre-foreclosure, how do I buy before foreclosure? – Answer: When a property is in pre-foreclosure (NOD, LIS), the owner still has a chance to stop the foreclosure process by paying off what is owed or by selling the property. The pre-foreclosure period can last several months, so you may need to be patient when trying to contact the owner in default.
Q: Who do I turn to? – A: You can talk to your mortgage lender about your options with payments adjustments, another loan, etc. If you decide to sell the house, there are always local investors who can help you get your feet back on the ground. If you decide to sell your home make sure you are getting help from credible sources and of course don’t ever sign anything before reading it.
Q: What is refinancing and how can it help me out of foreclosure? – A: By refinancing you are essentially taking another loan. The new loan is based off a new appraisal of your property. One benefits of refinancing is that you can sometimes get a lower interest rate, in turn, decreasing your monthly mortgage rate. However, refinancing is not for everyone. It can also put you at higher risk for foreclosure depending on a number of factors. Really do some research and talk to someone who can advise you well on this option.
Q: What does it mean to be in foreclosure? – A: According to dictionary.com, to foreclose is to deprive (you) the mortgagor of the right to redeem mortgaged property, when payments have not been made. When you have missed two months worth of payments you have defaulted on your loan, but you are not yet in foreclosure. The foreclosure proceedings will not initiate until the mortgage lender or bank submits paper work to a prosecuting attorney.
Q: What are my options? – A: Once the mortgage lender sends letters informing you of the Foreclosure it is important that you keep your head up; find a way to fix things. Immediately start considering your options of another loan, refinancing, etc. On the other hand, if you know you are in over your head then selling is always an option. To keep from falling deep into the foreclosure process it is really important to weigh out your options, looking at your finances and what you can afford in the future.
Q: If I lose my house in foreclosure are my chances of buying again lessened? – A: If you apply for a loan on another house your past foreclosure will show in your credit history. This does not mean you will not qualify for a loan; however you are less likely to receive, for instance, a low down payment loan. It is very important to stay informed and knowledgeable in how to stop the Foreclosure before it happens. There are people who are willing to take the time and help.