Framingham MA Bank Foreclosed Real Estate
Framingham MA Foreclosure and Bank Owned Real Estate Defined
Framingham MA foreclosures, bank owned and REO (Real Estate Owned) are terms commonly used to describe properties that are owned by a lender (financial institution; typically a bank), after an unsuccessful sale at a foreclosure auction or property obtained by a “deed in lieu.” The lender will then resell the real estate by direct sale or market their inventory through a Realtor. The lender is motivated to sell the property quickly and qualified buyers may benefit from an aggressive market price.
When a Framingham homeowner defaults on their mortgage, the lender starts the process of obtaining the right to sell that property at auction in order to satisfy the debt (balance owed on the mortgage). This process will take a minimum of 75 days with substantial delays possible if the homeowner uses the law to their benefit. Go to Framingham MA foreclosures and register to receive a list of distressed real estate.
Framingham MA Short Sales
There are cases where a Framingham Massachusetts homeowner will attempt to sell their home before the bank starts the foreclosure process. The homeowner is either already behind on their mortgage payments or will not be able to sell for a price that would cover the mortgage. This is commonly referred to as a short-sale and requires the lender’s approval. Obtaining approval can be a long and frustrating process. Additionally, there is no assurance that the lender will accept an offer at or above the listed price or any viable contract presented.
If the Framingham homeowner is negotiating for a short sale under the HAFA program (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative) offered by theUS Treasury Department, the process is streamlined and offers the lender, homeowner and potential buyer additional incentives. In this program, most of the barriers to a successful transaction have been removed.
Massachusetts Laws Governing Foreclosures
In Massachusetts, non-judicial foreclosure is the most common method; judicial foreclosure is rarely used in MA. Lenders usually have a power of sale clause and must abide by stringent notice requirements. If a homeowner files for bankruptcy, the court can overturn the foreclosure sale if sold for less than market value. Therefore, lenders in Massachusetts are very cautious in meeting the requirements set forth in the law. Review Massachusetts Foreclosure law for government legislation about MA foreclosures.
Buying Framingham Massachusetts at Foreclosure Auction
For most potential buyers, purchasing at a foreclosure auction is a “risky” undertaking and, in most cases, buying from the lender after the auction is a better option. As a result, not many Framingham MA foreclosure auctions end with a bidder being successful with an accepted offer. The lender takes back the title and possession of the property. These properties are referred to as REO (Real Estate Owned) or Bank Owned properties.
Framingham Massachusetts Foreclosed or Bank Owned Real Estate
After a bank (lender, financial institution) takes possession of a property (after an unsuccessful auction), they mitigate items owed by the prior borrower, such as homeowner association fees. The financial institution also tries to get the IRS to remove any tax liens against the property. If the property is occupied, the lender will make arrangements for the owner or tenant to vacate by eviction or with financial incentives.The property is cleaned and minor repairs are made to the property. The lender wants to make it more attractive to potential buyers and maximize the value.
Lenders want to move their foreclosed assets quickly maintaining REO inventory is a costly process. Additionally, managing a foreclosed property may see further reductions in value and is a “headache”. Some banks have experience in managing REOs and foreclosures and often have a department dedicated to them.
Most lenders hire experienced Framingham real estate agents to market their properties and list their inventory in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to ensure full market exposure. Bank owned listings compete with other available listings and buyers have the opportunity to inspect and investigate property prior to the final purchase. Some lenders will negotiate repairs and concessions, but in most cases their preference is to sell “as is” at a “discounted price”.
State and Federal requirements regarding property disclosure must be followed by lenders. They usually disclose that they have no knowledge of the property and can make no representations as they have never occupied the property. Banks may or may not provide owner financing on their REOs but in most cases, this would apply only to property that was in very bad condition. Property that has major structural defects or will require extensive repairs will be the buyer’s best value.
Buyers with accepted contracts have the option to conduct full home inspections even though the property is being sold “as is”. If major unknown material defects are found, the lender usually will negotiate to either a substantially lower price or make the repair. Generally, negotiating with a lender is an easier process than negotiating with a homeowner. Lenders are typically unemotional about the process and are interested in making a “good business” decision for their stockholders. If a buyer is unreasonable in negotiating the lender will move on to the next potential buyer.
Consider all properties for sale as a Framingham foreclosure isn’t always the best value for every buyer.
Making an Offer on a Framingham Property
Before submitting an offer, have your agent obtain all available disclosures and information on the property and ask questions such as: Are there any inspection reports? What work has the bank agreed to? Is there a special “as is” form? How long does it take the bank to accept an offer?How is the offer negotiated?
Since lenders do not typically work on weekends and due to the volume of REO inventory, the negotiating process may take longer and create frustration for the buyer.
Your offer must be accompanied by your credit approval as a lender will not negotiate with a buyer who is not qualified.
Understand that lenders will sell at “fair” market value and do not expect “fire-sales” that you have seen of heard of in the media. As mentioned earlier, properties that need substantial structural and mechanical repairs will be negotiated aggressively There are fewer buyers qualified to buy these properties so lenders will offer greater discounts.
Virtual Homes real estate agents will provide you with a list of Framingham MA foreclosures and bank owned real estate for sale. In addition, we can represent you as a Buyer’s agent and represent your interests in the property search, research, negotiations, home inspection and closing of the transaction.
