Monday, November 10, 2008

Pre-foreclosures - Why Real Estate Gurus Prefer Them

By Dale McPhee

Due to the recent real estate collapse, many people across the United States are losing their homes to foreclosure. The period of time before the official foreclosure is called pre-foreclosure. Depending on the state the pre-foreclosure period lasts from seven days to a 60 days. Real estate experts know that the pre-foreclosure period is a great time to purchase a home.

Many of the 'for sale by owner' signs that you see are from owners that are in pre-foreclosure. The bank usually allows the homeowner time in which to try and sell their home before it is foreclosed. This is common because the bank is not in the real estate business and would prefer the current owner sell the home to cut their losses rather then having to seize the home themselves.

Here are some of the reasons many real estate professionals prefer purchasing a pre-foreclosed properties rather then waiting until they reach foreclosure:

- Pre-foreclosed houses are often times cheaper considering it?s being sold by a home owner that is in a hurry to sell it before facing foreclosure.

- You will be given good opportunities to ask the home owner questions concerning the home.

- Typically less competition then at a foreclosure auction where there is multiple bidding for the same property. Foreclosures attracts more of the mass real estate market then pre-foreclosures does.

- More time to evaluate financial scenario then at an auction.

- Auctions can be annoying for some people. Some people become very angry when they are outbid.

- Less risk of potential problems because you can get a good look at the house ahead of time, and in some cases have it professionally inspected.

- You don't need all the cash up front like you would at an auction. You can pay a down payment for as low as a few hundred dollars!

Always check to make sure that the pre-foreclosed home you?re interested in has no liens or judgements against it. You should also bring along someone to inspect the home for you so you?ll know of any problems it may have. The risks in purchasing a pre-foreclosed home are similar to purchasing a home the traditional way, only a lot less expensive! You can even resell the pre-foreclosed home for more money than you purchased it for. - 15224

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