What Are REO Properties And How To Buy Them · Distressed Pro (2024)

Table of Contents
What is an REO Property? How Does a Property Become REO? What is the Difference between REO and Foreclosure? How Do Banks Foreclose on Properties? Pros and Cons of Buying an REO Property Advantages of Buying REO Property (Foreclosures) 1) REO Sales are Similar to Traditional Real Estate Transactions 2) REO Property Prices are Discounted 3) No High-Pressure Auction Bidding 4) REO Property Financing Perks Disadvantages of Buying REO Property 1) Banks Sell REO Properties “As-Is” 2) Closing Can Take a Long Time 3) Securing Traditional Mortgage Financing Can Be Challenging 9 Steps to Finding and Buying REO Properties Step 1: Find REO Properties Step 2: Decide How to Finance the REO Property 4 Mortgage Lenders That Finance Distressed Property: TYPES OF REO PROPERTY LOANS AND FUNDING Step 3: Refine Your List of Lender-Owned Properties Step 4: Get an Appraisal Step 5: Make an Offer Step 6: Ensure the Property is Inspected Step 7: Negotiate The Final Details Step 8: Finalize Your Loan Step 9: Close the Deal REO Buying FAQs Can you finance REO property? Do you need good credit to buy a foreclosed home? How long do REO homes take to close? Do REO properties have liens? Can you rent to own an REO foreclosure? How long does it take for a foreclosed home to go on the market? Do banks pay REO closing costs? Can I buy REO with an FHA loan? Do banks negotiate on REO prices? In what condition are REO homes? Who do I contact for REO? Can I get a mortgage on a foreclosed home? Find and Buy REO Like A Pro FAQs References

REO properties can be an attractive way for investors and home buyers to get discounted real estate deals.

REO properties are often sold below market value and most of them, in perfect condition. But like all investment opportunities, you can easily get burned if you don’t know what you are doing.

This guide provides in-depth information on the REO industry and answers common REO property questions.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • What is an REO Property?
  • What is the Difference between REO and Foreclosures?
  • Pros and Cons of Buying an REO Property
  • 9 Steps to Finding and Buying REO Properties
  • REO Buying FAQs
  • Find and Buy REO Like a Pro

What is an REO Property?

A Real Estate Owned (REO) property, also known as Other Real Estate Owned (OREO), is real estate that a lender has repossessed from borrowers who defaulted on loans pledged against that property. REO properties include homes, condos, commercial buildings, and construction projects and are assets acquired because things didn’t go as planned.

Once a property reaches REO status, lenders and banks move to liquidate it to recoup the capital they loaned so they can make new loans with that cash.

REO property can be very desirable for home buyers and real estate investors seeking big discounts and value investments.

How Does a Property Become REO?

Property reaches REO status after going through the foreclosure process. There can be a wide variety of causes for a default that triggers foreclosure, including:

  • Failing to maintain monthly mortgage payments
  • Inability to satisfy maturing balloon loan payments
  • Defaulting on loan provisions such as taxes and insurance
  • Triggeringacceleration clauses, which include:
    • Defaulting on condo or Homeowner Association (HOA) dues
    • Issues which threaten property ownership
    • Fraud

The foreclosure process can be cut short if the borrower can reinstate their loan in time. Borrowers can also refinance their loan, sell the property (often as a short sale), come to a loan modification agreement, or hand over ownership voluntarily via a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

What is the Difference between REO and Foreclosure?

A foreclosure is the process through which a bank or a lender attempts to collect on a debt secured by real estate. Once the foreclosure process is complete, the lender gains ownership of the property and it’s called REO, or property owned by the bank.

It’s common in the industry for people to refer to REOs as simply foreclosures. The REO term refers to a line item banks use to classify properties acquired through the foreclosure process that now are on a lender’s books.

How Do Banks Foreclose on Properties?

Foreclosure typically begins with a notice of default issued when a borrower fails to pay the property’s mortgage. Banks refer to these kinds of mortgages asnon-performing loansor loans that haven’t received payment according to terms for over 90 days.

The actual foreclosure is always handled by an attorney, auctioneer, or sheriff, and it culminates in a foreclosure auction. At the foreclosure auction, the lender may elect to make what’s called a credit bid. In this scenario, the lender bids up to the amount that they are owed on the property. If there is no higher bidder, then the lender’s bid will secure the property back to the lender. Banks refer to this process as booking the property in.

When you buy an REO property, you’re purchasing it from the bank. The REO buying process is very similar to purchasing any real estate from any seller.

Pros and Cons of Buying an REO Property


Advantages of Buying REO Property (Foreclosures)

1) REO Sales are Similar to Traditional Real Estate Transactions

Buyers don’t need to know any special rules or have insider industry experience to purchase an REO property.

2) REO Property Prices are Discounted

Banks selling REO properties are motivated to move them quickly to limit overhead and free up lending reserves. Because of this motivation, REO prices tend to be lower or more negotiable than private-seller or MLS properties.

3) No High-Pressure Auction Bidding

When you buy an REO property, you don’t have to compete with bidders at a foreclosure auction. You don’t need bidding experience and you’ll have the time you need to follow through with the purchase.

4) REO Property Financing Perks

In some cases, you will be able to negotiate that the lender who owns the REO should finance your acquisition.

Disadvantages of Buying REO Property

1) Banks Sell REO Properties “As-Is”

Bank-owned properties aren’t inspected, and the seller isn’t likely to make any repairs or concessions. REO properties typically don’t come with seller disclosures or maintenance histories, so buyers assume some repair-related risks.

2) Closing Can Take a Long Time

Every step of thedistressed property buying processrequires seller review and approval. When buying an REO property from a bank, expect delays, especially if the seller works with several REO sales at once.

3) Securing Traditional Mortgage Financing Can Be Challenging

Lenders hesitate to estimate property value or approve traditional mortgage terms without adequate inspection and conditions reports. Since bank-owned properties are sold “as-is,” getting financing for an REO property may require some creativity. Check out our Alternative Funding webinar for expert insight into how to finance REO property and notes.

9 Steps to Finding and Buying REO Properties

Step 1: Find REO Properties

The most important part of the REO business is actually finding the properties. Your business will die or flourish solely on your ability to find good deals.

An often overlooked but critical key to REO success is consistency. One-off deals don’t make for a stable business; you will need a steady flow of leads.

Getting REO deals directly from banks or credit unions is the best way to establish a consistent supply, and it removes the competition found on public listings.

Who Sells REO Properties?

  • Banks
  • Credit unions
  • REO brokers
  • REO realtors
  • Real estate investment firms
  • Hedge funds
  • Federal, national, and local government
  • Fannie Mae Homepath REO
  • HUD homes

Other Ways to Find and Buy Distressed Properties

Distressed propertycan be purchased at any stage; from before the foreclosure process starts (known as pre-foreclosure), through being repossessed and becoming a REO property. Inventors who want to buy a distressed property before it’s bank-owned should reach out to distressed and highly motivated sellers before the foreclosure process is complete.

Sources and methods include:

  • Short sale listings on the MLS
  • Knocking on doors
  • Public records
  • Local newspapers
  • Foreclosure auctions
  • Tax sales and auctions
  • Direct mail prospecting
  • Real estate websites
  • Telemarketing
  • Craigslist
  • Ebay

Some of these sources may work for buyers searching for residential properties at discount prices. However, real estate investors or investment firms seeking volume business or bulk REO packages may not find these sources cost-effective or efficient.

Serious investors, investment firms, and real estate agents seeking REO property listings should look to resources with larger property pools, better deal flow, and tools which help them quickly navigate the information.

Step 2: Decide How to Finance the REO Property

A growing number of mortgage lenders and financiers are aggressively seeking to put their money to work in the market. Individual home buyers and firms investing in bulk REOproperty packages can also finance their acquisitions.

The multiple sources of financing for REO property offer different types of loans.

4 Mortgage Lenders That Finance Distressed Property:

  1. Pacific Private Money
  2. Alternative Mortgage Group
  3. Capital One
  4. Wells Fargo

Note:The lender you are purchasing from may offer financing too. Just ask.

TYPES OF REO PROPERTY LOANS AND FUNDING

  • Buy-to-rent loans and blanket mortgages
  • Transactional funding
  • Construction loans
  • Private money mortgages
  • Crowdfunding
  • Bridge and home equity loans on existing properties
  • Business loans
  • Hard money loans
  • Conventional and government-backed home loans
  • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac multifamily apartment loans
  • Fixed and adjustable rate mortgages
  • Lines of credit

Step 3: Refine Your List of Lender-Owned Properties

What Are REO Properties And How To Buy Them · Distressed Pro (5)

Once you’ve established a list of available REO properties, narrow down the options by ranking them by a few different variables, including:

  • Location
  • Condition
  • Lending options and lender requirements
  • Surrounding properties’ values
  • Estimated appraisal value (before and after any necessary repairs)

Step 4: Get an Appraisal

A real estate appraisal is a professional, unbiased assessment of a property’s resale value. Real estate appraisers consider various factors when determining the value of a property, including:

  • Comparable properties’ recent sales histories
  • Property condition and potential repair costs
  • Location and how surrounding properties and conditions could impact a future sale

Why Are Appraisals Useful?

Real estate appraisals help buyers and lenders determine a fair sale price. Without an expert assessment, banks and buyers risk overpaying for a property.

Market shifts, costly repairs, or neighborhood deterioration can result in substantial equity loss, which negatively impacts all parties tied to the property.

What’s the Difference Between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?

A real estate appraisal’s focus is primarily on property valuation. A home inspection is geared around assessing a property’s structural and mechanical conditions.

An appraiser considers overall property condition when determining a property’s resale value. Home inspectors don’t typically factor property values into their condition assessments.

Step 5: Make an Offer

There are a few ways to make an offer to purchase REO.

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Traditional Offer to Purchase
An offer to purchase document includes property details, purchase terms and contingencies, and the price a buyer’s willing to pay. The document becomes legally binding when the buyer and seller sign it.

Purchase and Sale (P&S) Agreement
A P&S includes the purchase price, a legal description of the property, contingencies like financing and property inspection, proof of clean title, and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) details.

Letter of Intent (LOI)
An LOI is a document formally declaring a party’s intent to do business with another party. LOIs are commonly used when buying in bulk or purchasing commercial properties.

When you make an offer to buy REO from a bank, consider putting down a binder or earnest money. This method shows the bank that you’re a serious buyer who can close and who won’t waste their time.

How Much Should I Offer For Bank-Owned REOs?

Make an offer that has a great chance of being accepted, and provides value to you. Expect the bank to counteroffer. Build that room into your offer, unless you know that there is competition, and you only have one shot.

If you go in too low on your offer, you may risk not being taken seriously, and burning your bridges. At the same time – no one wants to overpay and feel foolish later. So do the math. Figure out what makes sense. And where your cut off point is.

Quick tips for making an offer:

  • Make sure your offer is presented in the way the bank wants it
  • Include your proof of funds or mortgage approval letter
  • Keep contingencies and special clauses to a minimum
  • Include a net sheet showing the seller exactly what they’ll pocket
  • Highlight how secure and low risk your offer is
  • Document your reasons for offering less with real facts
  • Don’t be bullied into overpaying

Non-performing loan notes and REO property often sell for pennies on the dollar. However, as the market improves, and as distressed property inventory dwindles, lenders become more bullish and optimistic about property values. In this scenario, banks will demand more and become less likely to negotiate.

A vast vault of REOs and foreclosure properties may be flowing onto the market for several more years. But when the window of opportunity for securing better deals opens, it’s time to invest.

Step 6: Ensure the Property is Inspected

Having an REO property inspected is critical. Bank-owned property is sold “as-is,” meaning any repairs or improvements are the buyer’s responsibility. Before finalizing an REO sale price, have a home inspection performed to expose repair needs and general property condition.

Before scheduling a home inspection, though, check with the bank. Some lenders have inspections performed during or after the foreclosure process. If an inspection was already completed, ask for a copy of the report and review it. If the report is thorough and recent, you may be able to avoid an additional inspection and move forward with the purchasing process.

How to Adjust an REO Offer After a Home Inspection

Since banks sell REO properties, “as-is,” negotiating repairs isn’t an option. A lender isn’t likely to address or complete improvements, so buyers will be on the hook for repair costs after the purchase.

Adjusting the property’s sale price is the only way to address repair costs. In some cases, banks won’t budge, but if you present your reasons professionally and concisely, you may be able to lower the price.

  • Research average repair costs and if possible, get quotes from two or three local professionals.
  • Combine home inspection findings with real estate appraisal figures to provide an accurate estimate of the property’s value with and without necessary repairs.
  • Compile copies of all reports and repair quotes and present them to the bank at time of price negotiation.

Step 7: Negotiate The Final Details

Once you’ve acquired appraisal and home inspection reports and assessed all estimated values and costs, it’s time to finalize the REO purchase with the bank. When negotiating the REO sale price, consider financing options, estimated property value, and closing costs.

What Are Common REO Closing Costs?

REO property closing costs are similar to other real estate transactions.

Common closing costs include:

  • Appraisals, Automated Valuation Models (AVMs), or Broker Price Opinions (BPOs)
  • Property inspections and environmental studies
  • Surveys and flood elevation certificates
  • Loan origination and mortgage underwriting fees
  • Prepaid interest on new loans
  • Title searches, insurance, and closer fees
  • Escrow and money wiring fees
  • Government recording fees
  • Property insurance
  • Condo and HOA dues and special assessments
  • County property taxes

Can I Negotiate REO Closing Costs?

Closing costs should be part of the final negotiation and factored into the overall purchase price and terms. These added expenses can be controversial when purchasing bank REO property since lenders often attempt to defer costs traditionally paid by the seller to the buyer.

Beware of lender-sellers demanding their choice of all third-party vendors. This arrangement can lead to increased costs, and it can also be illegal. Some sellers blatantly break these laws, even in public listings on the MLS.

Step 8: Finalize Your Loan

As you approach the end of the REO buying process, tie up loose ends with the lender financing the purchase. Most lenders require:

  • Final purchase figures
  • Real estate appraisal and home inspection reports
  • Title search with clean title status

Expect the underwriting process to take some time and plan closing dates accordingly.

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Step 9: Close the Deal

Once the bank’s received the buyer’s financed or cash funds, the buyer and seller sign closing documents and finalize deed transfer details. This final step usually spans a business week, and when it’s complete, the REO property is yours.

REO Buying FAQs

Can you finance REO property?

Yes. Securingbank-owned property financingis possible, though you may need to explore non-traditional options to get it done. Check with the seller, too; some banks will finance their REO properties.

Alternative REO financing sources include:

  • Buy and hold loans
  • Working capital
  • Acquisition funds
  • Bridge loans
  • Short-term lines of credit
  • Fix-and-flip loans

Do you need good credit to buy a foreclosed home?

Not necessarily. Various lenders offer REO financing options for buyers with bad credit or other financial limitations.

How long do REO homes take to close?

Most REO purchases are completed within 30-60 days, about the same time frame as a traditional transaction. If funding, inspections and appraisals, and legal aspects are handled promptly, the REO status shouldn’t hold up the process.

Do REO properties have liens?

Not usually. When a property is sold to the highest bidder at an auction, existing liens go with the property. When banks win the bid, they clear any liens or outstanding taxes tied to the REO. However, it’s still best to run a title check before purchasing the property.

Can you rent to own an REO foreclosure?

Most banks are not doing rent-to-own options. Some large private equity or hedge funds offer rent-to-own schemes and have pools of REOs.

How long does it take for a foreclosed home to go on the market?

An REO usually hits the market within 45-60 days. This timeline varies based on numerous aspects, including:

  • Special servicers‘orREO asset managers’ procedures and property volumes
  • Property conditions
  • Market supply and demand
  • Legal delays

Do banks pay REO closing costs?

No, banks don’t typically pay closing costs on REO sales.

Can I buy REO with an FHA loan?

There are no specific restrictions. However, the property and the borrower must fit in all of the FHA lending boxes.

Do banks negotiate on REO prices?

Yes. Banks will negotiate on REO prices just like any other seller will. Banks selling REO value potential buyers who will close. Limit contingencies, promote a fast closing, and show that you’re a secure buyer, and you’ll likely increase your chances of getting a deal from the bank.

In what condition are REO homes?

REO property conditions vary greatly. I’ve seen properties ranging from pre-construction to beautifully finished to completely demolished. However, given an REO’s previously distressed status, buyers might run into less-than-perfect conditions.

Who do I contact for REO?

If you want to buy REO direct from the bank, work with your local, regional, and community banks. Seek out the area manager, real estate manager, or special assets manager, depending on how the bank is structured.

Can I get a mortgage on a foreclosed home?

Yes. If a foreclosed home meets lender guidelines and you’re not buying it at an auction but instead as REO, then there’s no reason why you wouldn’t be able to get a mortgage to buy the foreclosure.

Some foreclosed homes don’t qualify for mortgages due to their condition. Typical mortgage requirements will not allow you to buy a property missing, for example, the plumbing or essential appliances like the stove.

When bidding on a foreclosure at an auction (pre-REO status), mortgage contingencies won’t apply. Be sure you have guaranteed financing in place before placing a bid.

Find and Buy REO Like A Pro

Buying REO properties doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re a one-time residential buyer looking for a deal or you’re investing in numerous REO listings, the process should begin with local sellers.

Zero in on the best REO properties and non-performing notes in your area with BankProspector. Access real-time loan details, data, and decision-maker contact information to simplify how you find and buy REO.

Our experts combine years of industry experience with innovative, easy-to-use software to deliver an efficient, effective way to source REO listings. Save time, increase profits, and start building your REO listing network today with BankProspector.

What Are REO Properties And How To Buy Them · Distressed Pro (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of 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.

What is a REO purchase? ›

The most common definition of an REO (Real Estate Owned) is a property that has gone into foreclosure and didn't sell during auction. If the foreclosed home doesn't sell, the ownership defaults to the original bank or lender.

Is REO a good investment? ›

Taking a gamble on an REO property can pay off big, but it can also backfire if you're not able to find a buyer or a reliable renter. Taking the time to carefully research properties and the larger real estate market in your area is a must for ensuring the success of your investment.

What is true of an REO sale? ›

A typical real estate owned (REO) listing has failed to sell during the foreclosure process and is now owned by a mortgage lender, bank or the mortgage investor. Buying an REO property is done through an REO agent or an auction platform. Properties are sold “as is” and often discounted to sell as quickly as possible.

What is REO used for? ›

Even though concrete alone can be compressed, it's still not strong enough to hold together the weight of a whole building and stand firm on its own. Therefore, reinforcing bars or 'reo bars' are bars made of steel reinforcing bar used to supply tensile strength to the concrete.

What does the REO stand for? ›

You might remember a band named after this truck. This beauty is a 1929 REO Speedwagon EX. REO stands for Ransom Eli Olds, who founded the REO Motor Car Company in 1904. The company built trucks until 1967.

Which of the following properties is a REO? ›

A real estate owned (REO) property is owned by a property's mortgage investor. REOs were foreclosed on, usually because the previous owner failed to make their mortgage payments. However, unlike other foreclosed properties, REOs failed to sell at auction.

Which type of distressed property transaction requires a cash purchase? ›

In many states, all-cash payments are a requirement for distressed properties sold at auction. If you find a distressed property close to foreclosure, consider approaching the seller directly.

What does RO stand for in real estate? ›

R/O: Resident Occupied.

What does a short sale mean in real estate? ›

A short sale is a pre-foreclosure residential real estate transaction where the owner of the mortgage loan, the lender or lien holder (hereinafter sometimes "Lender"), agrees to (i) allow the home owner to sell his or her property for less than -- or "short" of -- the outstanding amount owed on the mortgage loan, and ...

What does "reo occupied" mean? ›

What is an "REO Occupied" Property? "REO Occupied" in real estate refers to properties that are owned by a bank or lender (Real Estate Owned) but are currently occupied by tenants or the previous owner. This situation often arises when a property has gone through foreclosure but has not been vacated.

Why is a foreclosure more likely to have title issues than a non-foreclosure? ›

Why is a foreclosure more likely to have title issues than a non-foreclosure? Borrowers who are in foreclosure are permitted to acquire unrecorded liens. Borrowers who can't afford loan payments may have taken out other loans against the property.

Which of these actions would cause a property to become an REO? ›

Which of these actions would cause a property to become an REO? The bank doesn't get an acceptable bid at a foreclosure sale and takes ownership of the property. An REO, or real estate-owned property, is a property that a bank or lender owns because it failed to receive an acceptable bid at a foreclosure sale.

What is a reverse REO? ›

A reverse repurchase agreement (RRP), or reverse repo, is the sale of securities with the agreement to repurchase them at a higher price at a specific future date. A reverse repo refers to the seller side of a repurchase agreement (RP), or repo.

What is a REO portfolio? ›

Background on REO

Let's jump in… REO (which stands for “Real Estate Owned”) refers to the class of real estate properties that have gone through foreclosure and now belong to the bank, lender or asset management company that owns the mortgage on the property.

What is the abbreviation REO? ›

Real Estate Owned (REO) describes when a mortgage bank owns a property.

What does REO stand for in government? ›

VA real estate owned (REO) properties, also known as bank-owned homes, are properties the VA repossessed after the previous owner defaulted on their loan.

What does the Greek word REO mean? ›

ῥέω • (rhéō) to flow, stream, run, gush quotations ▼

Where did Reo Speedwagon get their name from? ›

They named the band REO Speedwagon, from the REO Speed Wagon, a 1915 truck designed by Ransom Eli Olds. Doughty had seen the name written on the blackboard when he walked into his History of Transportation class on the first day they had decided to look for a name.

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