Foreclosure is the process in which a Bank/Lender
gains title to real estate when the Owner/Borrower is in loan
default. In the past, it was typical for Owner/Borrowers to avoid foreclosure by
selling while they had equity, refinancing the loan or
obtaining other financing to bring the loan current.
Today, these options are unlikely, the foreclosure process usually
ends in either the Bank/Lender gaining title through a "Trustee's
Sale" or the Bank/Lender approving a "Short Sale" to a Buyer.
A
"Short Sale" is where the Bank/Lender agrees to receive less than
the full amount the Owner/Borrower owes in a sale. If there
are multiple loans on the property, it is more difficult to gain
Bank/Lender approval. This is because the Banks/Lenders
compete with each other for their share of the proceeds from a sale.
If an agreement cannot be reached between the Banks/Lenders, the
home is typically acquired by the senior loan holder in a "Trustee's
Sale".
Sometimes the Owner/Borrower is able to obtain a Loan
Modification or Forbearance which can end or delay the foreclosure
process. Forbearance is only temporary and many that receive a
Loan Modification become delinquent again.
It is important to understand that only a small fraction of
"Short Sales" and Loan Modifications are approved by Banks/Lenders.
This is because many factors are involved in the Owner/Borrower
being approved by the Bank/Lender for either. Also, the
Owner/Borrower must agree and sign a Short Sale or Loan Modification
agreement.
Foreclosed homes are those that have
completed the foreclosure process. They are commonly called Bank
Owned, but within the industry the term usually used is REO - Real
Estate Owned). Since the foreclosure process is over, these Bank
Owned homes can typically be purchased within a normal timeframe
once listed.
As a Buyer you want to know whether a home
listed "For
Sale", can actually be purchased and at what price. That is why, we
work with our clients to analyze listings and recommend
likely homes for consideration based on client needs.
Today, the best homes receive multiple offers. As
your REALTOR®, we know how and will work diligently to help you
acquire a home. More than ever, you need an experienced,
dedicated professional that is on YOUR side. Please visit the
"Contact
Info" and "Info.
for Buyers" pages to find out how we can help you.