Bank owned foreclosures are repossessed properties offered for sale by banks. These properties can be commercial buildings, land or houses that were repossessed by banks because their owners failed to pay their mortgages.
These bank owned foreclosures are then sold to the public at auctions. Most bank foreclosure properties are priced below their market value because the banks do not want to act as landlords on these properties and prefer to dispose of them immediately to recover their investments.
And besides, the longer the property stays on the market, the higher the losses of the bank because it needs to pay for the house’s repair and maintenance until a buyer has been found. Added to that, a long portfolio of unsold foreclosed properties would reflect negatively on the banks’ investment strategy and decision.
Compared with tax foreclosures, bank foreclosures carry only minimal savings. Properties foreclosed due to non-payment of taxes are mostly sold with prices based on tax arrears. With bank foreclosures, the price level of properties takes into consideration the unpaid loan payments of the owner, interest and legal costs. Take time to do some research to find the best bank foreclosure deals in the market.
Another drawback of buying foreclosed properties from banks is that some lenders may take time to sell their foreclosure homes. Some may opt to wait for the property to increase in market value.
Bank owned foreclosures are considered the least risky investment in the foreclosure market. You can be assured that properties bought from banks are free from liens and back taxes. Also, you do not have to worry about evicting previous owners or tenants in properties foreclosed by banks.
Bank owned foreclosures, just like any other investments, have their own advantages and risks. That is why it is important that you know the ropes of bidding for bank foreclosure properties.
| National Overnight Averages | TODAY | +/- | Last Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/1 Year ARM | 3.5% | |
3.51% |
| 1 Year ARM | 3.37% | |
3.4% |
| 30 Year Fixed Mortgage | 4.99% | |
5.03% |
| 15 Year Fixed Mortgage | 4.51% | |
4.51% |
| 5/1 Year ARM | 3.53% | |
3.55% |