The Woodlands Real Estate Blog

With more expected to be available soon, there are 1.5 million homes for sale.

At cut-rate prices, banks put repossessed homes back on the market because quick sales help avoid the expense of upkeep.

Those low prices represent golden opportunities, and they attract a lot of buyers who can bid until homes are no longer bargains as well.

With asset managers at banks, smart buyers establish relations. This could reward them with the first chance at new foreclosures hitting the market or inside information.

If other lenders offer you better terms, you're not locked in. You can always get your mortgage from another source and change your mind.

Today, that can be an issue because several foreclosed homes are in poor conditions.

The former owners frequently were struggling to pay their bills and could have neglected routine maintenance. Before leaving, they may also have trashed the properties.

Homebuyers influence lenders to fix some of the issues before the sale closes, in 25% of cases.

Banks would opt to sell the house to the next available bidder, one who doesn't ask the bank to cover the repairs, most of the time.

Banks frequently want to move quickly and load contracts up with legal jargon, once banks agree to sales. Buyers frequently do not have the expertise or time to figure all the angles, as a result.

Even in states where home sales are usually completed without one, the solution is to hire a real estate attorney.

The legal fees are low cost insurances against the risks, considering you're making a six-figure investment.

Before making an offer, homebuyers could be well served to wait. For a few days, allow the house to sit on the market, presenting others with a chance to set the bidding tone and jump in afterwards.

It's crucial to go over every detail with someone who can locate problems and let you know how much it will cost to resolve them, with several REOs in a significantly deficient shape.