Buying a foreclosure is a great investment opportunity. These properties can be a lot cheaper than standard properties and since they have been abandoned by the previous owners, there is a good chance that they have been abused and in need of a lot of work. Don’t be put off by this because buying a foreclosure can actually be a great way to make a profit. Here are 5 things you should know about buying a foreclosure in New Jersey.
Inventory is Dropping
The first thing you should know about buying foreclosures in New Jersey is that the overall availability of foreclosed properties is shrinking. There are fewer and fewer foreclosures every day, and the ones that are available are getting snatched up by cash buyers that move extremely quickly. We can help you locate foreclosures in New Jersey, give us a call at (201) 645-4990 right now.
Buying at Auction
Unless you are an experienced real estate investor with a large amount of cash to drop on a property, buying foreclosures at an auction is probably not a good idea. At the foreclosure auction, you are not allowed to enter the house nor have it inspected, so if you do win the property, you have no idea what condition the building is in and you may ultimately lose out.
Buying Bank-Owned
You can still get a good deal on a foreclosure if it is bank owned, but you may have to make a higher bid if other foreclosures are selling fast. This means other people are buying up foreclosures quickly, and if you really want to get in on this action, you may have to start off with an offer that is close to, or at asking price. If there are multiple offers, you may have to offer higher than asking price and try to keep the contract contingencies to a minimum if you really want that foreclosure. Remember, location and amenities matter, other foreclosures may be selling quickly if they’re in a great spot.
Get it Inspected
In most cases, the seller of a foreclosure is a bank, so there is not a traditional seller to make repairs before closing. The bank will not likely fix anything wrong with the home. They are selling it to try to make as much money back on their investment as possible. Make sure you include an inspection contingency so you can hire an inspector if you are making an offer on a foreclosure, that way you will know exactly what you are getting into if the bank accepts your offer.
Hidden Costs
Buying foreclosures in New Jersey may come with additional costs above and beyond the purchase price and closing costs. If the owner couldn’t make the mortgage payment, you can probably assume he or she did not pay the real estate property taxes or homeowners association fees if the foreclosure is in a community. You might also become responsible for any utility bills, home equity lines of credit, or other liens on the property. Make sure the title company takes these factors into account when preparing the title commitment.
You will also have to take into consideration the additional cost of making the necessary repairs or cleaning when you buy a foreclosure. There is no cleanup requirement when these properties are seized, and the previous owners might be a little upset about the bank foreclosing on them and take it out on the property. Repairs to the home might also increase the assessed value and raise the taxes.
Buying a foreclosure can be a great way to purchase a home at a great price. However, there are certain things you need to know before you jump into the process. With the right strategy, you can get a great deal and add to your real estate portfolio.