How to buy foreclosures is at the question at the top of the list for many home buyers these days. Here I will outline a few short points for you to follow in your search for buying foreclosures. In most of these cases you need to find an agent that specializes in foreclosures to have the best results. Going directly to the bank is a waist of time. You will be directed to find an agent. Beware of any list that are sold describing foreclosure details. Many of these listings are premature and can put you in an a unsavory situation if you go knocking on any doors and find the home owner still there.

Tax lien foreclosures can be purchased with cash at the court house steps. You must have a cashiers check to purchase a home that same day if you want to buy a home for cash (NO LOANS). Check with your local court house for procedures. Some Realtors may offer help for a fee in doing this. Be sure you know what you’re doing there could be additional taxes owed, condemnation of the property, additional liens and more.

HUD home foreclosures must be purchased through an agent/broker. You can search for HUD foreclosures at Bid select.com but you must have an agent/broker submit the bid for you.

Fannie Mae home foreclosures will be listed with a local broker in the area you are shopping. Any buyers agent with mls access can show you the home and submit Fannie Mae bids for you.

Bank Repo homes. This includes all banks, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase etc. These listings will also be with a broker/agent.

Buying a foreclosures can be a complicated task. If you are serious about buying a foreclosed home do your home work on getting signed up with an agent that is trained in foreclosure sales. SFR stands for Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource. This means the agent has advanced training in dealing with foreclosures and short sales. Chances are even if you do not ultimately end up buying a foreclosure you will have an agent with experience.

Good Luck!

Krishna Perkins, ABR, SFR, New Home Certified
Covenant Partners
http://www.sahomelocator.com

Buying foreclosures is a hot topic for first time buyers. Here in San Antonio the first most asked question I get from first time buyers is “What kind of deal can I get on a foreclosure?” The second most asked question is “If I get an inspection can I negotiate a lower price for repairs?”

To answer the first question. Right now the average sales price to list price ratio is 97.1% for foreclosures sold in the last two months as of today July 23rd. This means foreclosed homes are selling on average for 2.9% less than current list price. In some cases the sales price is much lower than list price in others the sales price actually higher than the list price. HUD foreclosures are currently running a special first time buyer program that allows buyers to purchase a home with as little as $100 down payment. The buyer still has closing cost but this program has been such a success that buyers are finding themselves in competition with multiple offer situations. Buyers can also ask for up to 3% closing cost for HUD homes. The biggest twist this prgram brings to the market is that the buyers must offer a full price offer to get the $100 down program. With that in mind I think the foreclosure market is a great place to start looking for deals that might fit buyer needs here in San Antonio.

In reguards to repairs or reduction in price. Don’t hold your breath. Be prepared to pay for all repairs out of your own pocket. In some cases buyers can find a Fanne Mae home that offers a rehab loan or a HUD that has a repair escrow already attached to the listing for a specific repair HUD has identified as a must fix.

Krishna Perkins ABR, SFR

Covenant Partners
http://www.sahomelocator.com

First time home buyers

What First time homebuyers need to know by: REBAC, is a great read for anyone looking to purchase a home in the San Antonio. There are many great deals in our San Antonio market, new homes, foreclosures, shortsales and resale homes. Get the information you need to know to make the right purchase right here.

Krishna Perkins ABR, SFR

Covenant Partners
http://www.sahomelocator.com