An Real Estate Owned (REO) is a property that has formerly gone through the foreclosure procedure and is now owned by the bank due to an unsuccessful sale at the court house auction. When a dwelling becomes an REO, it is obtainable to be purchased at a generous price cut because the banks are anxious to get free of the "toxic assets". Since banks are not in the business of managing properties, groups of homes are packaged together and sold in bulk in order for banks to boost their cash flow. These REO properties are often purchased by private equity firms, hedge funds, or investors from the banks in big tapes or parcels termed "Bulk REO's."
A Non Performing Note is a mortgage that has not been paid and is in danger of being foreclosed on by the bank or note holder. These Non Performing Loans have not yet been written off as bad debts but have had no reasonable expectation of payment of interest on certain notes. It could also be in some stage of the foreclosure procedure, such as late 90 days, summons served, etc.
Bank owned homes are houses which have been repossessed by banks due to foreclosure. Foreclosed property is first placed for sale through public auction. If no one bids on the property it is returned to the lender and can be held as an asset by the bank or listed for sale through assigned REO Agents or the bank's loss mitigation department.
Bank owned
real estate is usually priced higher than foreclosure properties sold through auction. However, bank owned homes are sold with a clean time; eliminating the need for buyers to enter into the lien and judgment removal process often associated with buying foreclosure houses.
Bank foreclosures are purchased directly through the lender or their designated real estate agent. Buyers should be prepared to pay the full asking price unless home inspections reveal substantial damage, or if buying houses with cash.
One way to obtain further savings is to seek out investing firms and real estate investors who purchase Bulk REO’s. Buying houses in bulk allows investors to obtain wholesale prices. These savings can be passed along to individual buyers or other investors. Banks typically dispose of foreclosure properties which cost them money to maintain.
