subject: Tips For A Risk-Free Distressed Real Estate Transaction [print this page] Tips For A Risk-Free Distressed Real Estate Transaction
Buying distressed real estate property can be complicated, time-consuming and full of risks if you are not prepared to handle the entire transaction process. The good news is, there are actually simple rules that you can follow in order to minimize these risks.
Work With Professionals
If you are new to the whole foreclosures business but would like to take advantage of the buyers' market, then you should work with qualified agents and brokers who have extensive experience in short sales, foreclosures and reo sales. They would ensure that you are directed promptly to information and situation that vitally needs your attention.
In addition, it would also work to your advantage if you will hire qualified home and property inspectors as well as other surveyors who can give you an accurate, detailed and honest assessment about the distressed real estate property's condition. To handle your legal concerns, you should seek the expertise of an attorney who specializes in real estate. These are the people you would want to work with you throughout your entire buying experience.
Order A Full Title Search
A full title search is imperative to avoid any surprises. A lot of the risks associated with distressed real estate are attributed to the lack of adequate information regarding its title. This is why some buyers find themselves confronted with hidden liens, second mortgages, and other unpaid property taxes and bills just before they close in on the deal. A full title search will allow you to see if there is any outstanding obligation attached to the property that you should be aware of.
Prepare Yourself Financially
Working your finances even prior to shopping has many advantages. Not least of those is the fact that you get to have a focus in your search for homes and save time and money in doing so. Buying distressed real estate could take some time and getting preapproved by a lender will entitle you to be taken more seriously by the seller who owns the property. It will also ensure that you will work only within a budget and keep you on track with your goals.