Foreclosures 101

Buying foreclosure properties can be a frustrating, cutthroat enterprise. The best properties usually have investors circling like vultures. You're never going to be able to win all your bids, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of being the winning bidder. And get the best price in the process. The following guide will help arm you with information that can help you along your road...

When buying a foreclosure, like all other properties, you need to set a closing date on the contract. When setting this timetable you need to consider what kind of affect the proposed dates will have on your offer. As with any point in a contract, if you put the closing out too far you could hurt your bargaining position in the deal. For most situations, the maximum you should request is six weeks. I say...

Persistent communication with the seller and listing agent (not assuming anything or taking "no" for an answer) is key to controlling your success when buying foreclosure real estate. Getting your offer accepted and the deal closed is not always an easy mountain to climb.

When it comes to making an offer on a foreclosure property, many investors often get caught up in the "How low can you go?" mentality. Since banks can more easily absorb a loss on a property, you might be tempted to do nothing but lowball. At times this is the appropriate mentality, but don't throw away your common sense. Like all aspects of a foreclosure offer, if a property has been on the market for...

If you're a veteran foreclosure buyer, this one is probably obvious., but a little refresher never hurts. When making an offer on a property, do all you can to limit the number and length of your contingencies. Depending on the property, and your personal taste, you might want to get an inspection of the roof, the sewer and possibly the whole property before purchasing. With the fast pace at which many...

Being creative with earnest money in real estate transactions is one of the most commonly overlooked negotiation points in a contract. Especially for foreclosures, with their battle-weary bank-owners trying to cover their butts. They want assurances. This earnest money acts as a guarantee that if you violate the provisions of the contract and walk away, the seller has something to show for their time. The...

Almost every offer for a bank-owned property must be accompanied by either a proof of funds or loan preapproval. Offers won't usually be entertained without one accompanying the contract. With the strict lending market, this is now more important than ever. Banks, and their agents, don't want to waste their time with buyers who don't have the ability to follow through on the terms of a contract. It takes...