What Is Real Estate Owned (REO)?
The term real estate owned (REO) refers to a lender-owned property that is not sold at a foreclosure auction. Properties become REO when owners default and the bank repossesses them and tries to sell them. The lender, which is often a bank, takes ownership of a foreclosed property when it fails to sell at the amount sought to cover the loan. These properties generally come at a steep discount but may require extensive repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate owned is the term for a property owned by a lender because it failed to sell in a foreclosure auction after the borrower defaulted on their mortgage.
- Banks attempt to sell their REOs using a real estate agent or by listing the properties online.
- REO specialists may be involved to try to get more exposure for the properties.
- REOs are often sold at a discount by banks and other lenders
- They are usually sold as is and are often in disrepair.
Understanding Real Estate Owned (REO) Properties
When a borrower defaults on theirmortgage, the pre-foreclosure period often involves either a real estate short sale or a public auction. If neither goes through, the foreclosure process can end with the lender takingownership of the property. Lenders may be banks, non-traditional lenders, quasi-government entities like Fannie Mae andFreddie Mac, or other government entities.
Lendersmay attempt to sell REO properties in their portfolios without the help of real estate agents. When this is the case, banks often list their REO properties on their websites. A bank'sloan officers mayalso notify customers looking for homes about the REO properties in its portfolio.
REO properties are managed by the lender's REO specialist. Their role includes:
- Marketingthe properties
- Reviewingany offers
- Preparingregular reports on the status of properties in the bank's portfolio
- Trackingdown deeds
The REO specialist also works closely with the lender's in-house or contracted property manager to ensure properties are secure and winterized or to prepare a property for vacancy. The REO specialist undertakes these job functions to help the bank liquidate its properties quickly and efficiently.
Special Considerations
REO specialists often contract the services of local real estate agents to list the properties in the multiple listing service (MLS) so they get more exposure. Listing properties in the MLS ensures that potential buyers who real estate websites, as well as sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Trulia, will see the listings. REO listing agents bring any offers they receive to the REO specialist.
Real estate agents negotiate the commission they receive for selling REO properties with the REO specialist.
How a Property Gains REO Status
So how does a property become real estate owned? There is a process that lenders must adhere to for it to go from the original owner to lender-owned. It starts with the borrower defaulting on their mortgage or home loan. Lenders normally have a cut-off date, but it's normally within a few months. When a mortgage is in default, lenders try to work with the borrower to bring it up to date. If not, it goes to the next stage: foreclosure.
Foreclosure is a legal process. It allows lenders to repossess the property and try to sell it to recoup the outstanding balance of the loan. There are instances when lenders can't sell the property. This is the point at which it becomes real estate owned. The lender manages the property and prepares it for listing on the market.
To help ensure a smooth closing, buyers should also search public records to ensure that all liens associated with a property have been paid.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a REO Property
Advantages
REO properties can be attractive to real estate investors and homebuyers becausethey're cost-effective investments. Banks may often sell them at a discount to their market value since selling such properties is not typically theirprimary business line.
Many properties that come through the foreclosure process don't just have outstanding loans, there may also be other defaulted payments on them. This can include property tax payments and other debts. The point of foreclosure is to remove any liens from the property and sell it. Purchasing an REO means they come lien-free, so there are no defective titles and no outstanding debts.
The majority of lenders don't want to hold onto REO properties. Keeping them on the market means they lose money. As such, they're usually more motivated to unload the REO property than a regular seller would their own home. Instead of doing the back-and-forth, lenders may be more willing to negotiate, which means buyers can often walk away paying a better price.
Disadvantages
Lenders typically sell REO properties on an as-is basis. This means they will not make any (major) repairs or renovations prior to selling. These properties are often in disrepair, so it's crucial to have a thorough home inspection and be prepared to make (and pay for) necessary upgrades and renovations that may be needed.
A highly neglected or damaged property may require extensive repairs and upgrades in order to make it habitable again. The cost of repairs can often negate any savings buyers have on the actual purchase price.
Although single-family home occupants may be evicted prior to listing, multi-family homes may still be occupied by tenants. This means buyers may end up becoming landlords, even if they never intended to take on that role. Buyers will have to take precautions to ensure they are compliant with local and state landlord-tenant laws by honoring existing leases.
Pros
Discounted prices
No outstanding liens or debts
Lenders may be willing to negotiate
Cons
Properties are sold as-is
High cost of repairs
Properties may be tenanted
What Does Real Estate Owned Mean?
A real estate owned property is one that is managed by a bank or other lender. Properties that fall under this category are taken over by lenders after the original borrowers default on their mortgages. Lenders then go through the foreclosure process to repossess the property and sell them at auction. If the property isn't sold, the property becomes part of the lender's inventory.
How Does a Property Become Real Estate Owned?
There is a process that a property must go through before they can become real estate owned. First, the borrower goes into default. If the lender cannot negotiate repayment of the mortgage, they can repossess the property. This allows them to evict any occupants (provided it's a single-family home) and prepare the property for sale at auction. If the property can't be sold, it becomes part of the lender's inventory and, therefore, real estate owned.
How Much Should I Offer on a Real Estate Owned Property?
That depends. Lenders are normally very motivated to sell REO properties, which means they often come at a bigger discount compared to others, which means that you'll already pay (significantly) less than you would if the original borrower was selling it. If you still feel that you're not getting the best price, look at the market value of the property and other comparable homes in the area and make your offer.
The Bottom Line
Real estate can present a very lucrative opportunity that can bring in a lot of money for investors. But where should you start looking? Many investors find opportunities in real estate owned properties, which are owned by lenders. These properties go through the default and foreclosure process and aren't sold at auction. Because it can be costly to maintain, lenders are often highly motivated to sell. You can get these properties at a steep discount. But beware: it may come at a high cost, especially if they are neglected or require extensive repairs.
As a seasoned real estate professional with extensive expertise in the field, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed in the article on Real Estate Owned (REO). My in-depth knowledge is backed by years of practical experience, keeping abreast of industry trends, and actively engaging with various aspects of real estate transactions.
Real Estate Owned (REO):
Real Estate Owned refers to a property that has been repossessed by a lender, typically a bank, after the borrower defaults on their mortgage and the property fails to sell at a foreclosure auction. My expertise lies in the intricate process that leads a property to become REO and the subsequent steps involved in its management and sale.
Key Concepts Discussed:
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Default and Foreclosure:
- When a borrower defaults on their mortgage, the pre-foreclosure period involves attempts at a short sale or a public auction.
- If these options fail, the property enters foreclosure, allowing the lender to repossess it.
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Lender Ownership:
- The lender, which can be a bank or other entities, takes ownership of the property if it doesn't sell at the foreclosure auction.
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REO Specialist Role:
- The REO specialist manages REO properties for the lender, undertaking tasks such as marketing, reviewing offers, preparing reports, and tracking deeds.
- Collaboration with property managers ensures the properties are secure, winterized, or prepared for vacancy.
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Marketing and Exposure:
- REO specialists may enlist local real estate agents to list properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for increased exposure.
- The goal is to reach potential buyers through online platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Trulia.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of REO Properties:
- Advantages:
- Cost-effective investments as banks often sell at a discount.
- Lien-free properties with no outstanding debts.
- Motivated lenders willing to negotiate for a quick sale.
- Disadvantages:
- Sold on an as-is basis, requiring potential buyers to cover repairs.
- Properties may be in disrepair, necessitating extensive upgrades.
- Potential for properties to be tenanted, leading to landlord responsibilities.
- Advantages:
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Process of Becoming REO:
- The journey starts with the borrower defaulting on their mortgage, leading to a foreclosure process.
- If the lender cannot sell the property, it becomes real estate owned and part of the lender's inventory.
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Offering on REO Properties:
- Lenders are typically motivated to sell REO properties at a discount.
- Buyers can assess the market value and make offers, leveraging the lender's motivation to negotiate.
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Conclusion:
- Real estate investors often find opportunities in REO properties, which can be acquired at a substantial discount.
- While the potential for lucrative deals exists, buyers must be cautious about the condition of the properties and the associated costs of repairs.
In summary, my comprehensive understanding of real estate, coupled with hands-on experience, allows me to elucidate the intricacies of REO properties and the broader landscape of distressed real estate transactions.
