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Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 3

November 18th, 2007 Categories: Anatomy of a Chico CA Real Estate Transaction, Chico Buyers, Chico CA Foreclosure Listings

This is part 3 in a series of helpful hints to purchasing foreclosures in Chico, CA.

Did you miss parts 1 and 2? Read here!

Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 1

Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 2

Chico CA real estate buyers and investors LOVE foreclosures.

The problem is, there aren’t that many to go around! Many areas of California have experienced a high influx of foreclosures thanks to the recent mortgage meltdown. Chico, CA however has fared a little better in terms of relative numbers of repossessions.

Chico CA buyers are competing to snatch up the bank-owned (REO) property when it DOES come along. It’s important to remember, however, that purchasing an REO property can be quite a bit different than a traditional Chico CA real estate purchase.

Before offering on a Chico, CA REO property, you should know:

1. It’s important to have a preapproval letter from your lender. Most of the banks I’ve dealt with require that the preapproval be submitted with your initial purchase offer. Without it, they won’t waste their time reviewing your paperwork. While this makes good sense anytime you are offering on a property, it’s critical for an REO listing.

2. The bank also wants to prequalify you themselves.

They want to see the letter from your preferred lender, but they won’t necessarily trust it! Oftentimes, you will be required to fill out their credit application just so they can verify that you do indeed qualify for the loan amount, or are otherwise financially stable. Although they would be happy to process your loan, you are still pursue a loan through the lender of your choice.

3. The bank is picky when it comes to title companies.

Typically, a buyer has some say about which title company they prefer, and even which officer they would like to work with. The bank really doesn’t care if your friend Sue is the best title officer in the county and her office is only 2 blocks from your new house. Most of the time, they already have a title company and officer designated, and the point is non-negotiable. The best part? The title company is usually out of the area, and unfamiliar with local practices.

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Still want to be part of the foreclosure frenzy taking place in Chico CA real estate? Contact me, and I will work to find you the perfect Chico REO property for your needs.

Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor: 530-864-5407.