How to Find the Best Deals on Pre-Foreclosure Homes
There are many ways to find pre-foreclosure homes. Wholesalers are among the best resources, but you can also find them online or check public records. A quick search of local newspapers’ legal sections may reveal Lis Pendens, which indicates a home is undergoing foreclosure.
Owners in pre-foreclosure have a window of time to cure their default and redeem the property. However, the process has its pitfalls.
Look for Bank-Owned Properties
When homeowners in pre-foreclosure default on their mortgage payments, the lender will typically put the property up for auction. The highest bidder wins the property and takes ownership, becoming a real estate-owned (REO) property. This is an excellent opportunity for investors to find properties selling below market value and may need some work to get them back on track.
But it’s important to remember that the homeowner still has options to avoid foreclosure. They can sell their home, negotiate a short sale, or explore a loan modification with their lender. Some homeowners may also decide that selling their home in pre-foreclosure is not the best option for them and will opt to stay in it.
Investors can search public records, real estate agents, wholesalers, and online listings to locate pre-foreclosure homes. A good network of professional contacts and a solid lead pipeline are essential to finding the right deals on investment properties. However, contacting homeowners directly is only sometimes possible as they may not be in a hurry to sell, and they may not be willing to have strangers come knocking on their doors.
Contact Wholesalers
Real estate wholesalers can help you find pre-foreclosure properties with a good investment return. They can help you locate homes in the pre-foreclosure stage that distressed sellers currently own. These properties are usually available at a low purchase price and can be sold quickly. In addition, they are likely to increase in value over time, making them a good investment opportunity.
Homes enter the pre-foreclosure stage when their owners are behind on their mortgage payments. If they do not catch up on their payments, the lender will repossess the home and sell it at a property auction. However, homeowners can also choose to sell the house before that happens in a process called a deed instead of foreclosure.
To locate these homes, you can contact a real estate wholesaler or search for them online. You can also ask your real estate agent or mortgage broker for leads or explore the local newspaper for lis pendens. You can also join an association for real estate investors to get a list of pre-foreclosure properties.
Ask Your Real Estate Agent
It can be challenging to find pre-foreclosure homes without the help of a real estate agent. Many real estate agents will maintain business relationships with mortgage lenders and have access to information that is not available to the public, such as a list of properties in pre-foreclosure.
In addition, a real estate agent can help you understand the process and negotiate. They may also be able to recommend other resources, such as mortgage brokers and attorneys.
In some cases, purchasing a pre-foreclosure home directly from the owner may be possible. This is a short sale and can be a great way to get a good deal on a home. However, you will need a lot of patience and empathy, as homeowners in pre-foreclosure are often in a stressful situation. They may not want to sell their home or respond well to you knocking on their door. In addition, you will likely need a thorough title search and a professional inspection before buying the property.
Check Online Listings
When homeowners fall behind on their mortgage payments, they typically enter pre-foreclosure. They can rework their financial situation and avoid foreclosure by selling their home through a short sale. This involves the lender agreeing to a payoff that is less than what they still owe on their mortgage.
This is less common a solution now since home prices are on the rise, but it is an option. It allows the homeowner to walk away with little equity and without the negative credit mark that can last seven years.
While purchasing a home in pre-foreclosure is not wildly different from a traditional purchase, it does require extensive research and knowledge. While many paid resources can help you locate these properties, there are also many ways to find pre-foreclosure homes for free. This includes checking public records and searching online. The key is to be proactive and find these deals before others snag them up. Working with a real estate agent with experience in this market is essential.
Do Your Research
Many real estate investors prefer to deal with pre-foreclosure homes because they can be bought for below-market value. But they also have downsides, like the long wait for banks to approve purchase offers and the difficulty of getting mortgages. Understanding the legalities of buying pre-foreclosure properties is essential because they can be complicated.
Another problem with pre-foreclosures is that they often come in poor condition. This is because homeowners in trouble with their mortgages need more money to repair or maintain their properties. In addition, they may need more funds to clear liens and back taxes, which you will need to pay as a new owner.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize these problems and find deals on pre-foreclosure properties. Investing in these homes can be profitable for you if you take the time to do your research. If you want to purchase a property, use the Rehab Calculator to estimate costs and ensure it will be worthwhile.
