Pre-Foreclosures – Why Real Estate Gurus Prefer Them
Monday, August 30th, 2010
Most people in the US are aware of the current real estate crisis and the unsettling fact that many people are losing their homes to foreclosure. Before a home is in the process of becoming foreclosed, it is in the pre-foreclosure stage. The pre-foreclosure period can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and is considered by many real estate investors as the absolute best time in which to negotiate the purchase of a home.
Many houses that are ‘for sale by owner’ are houses that are in a period of pre-foreclosure. The lenders sometimes allow the homeowners to try to sell their home before foreclosing it. The banks are not in the real estate business themselves and would rather the owners sell the home instead of (the lenders) having to foreclose it.
Here are many advantages to buying a pre-foreclosed home from a homeowner rather than bidding on a foreclosed home at an auction:
- Pre-foreclosed houses are often cheaper considering as it’s being sold by a home owner that is in a hurry to sell to avoid facing foreclosure and the bad credit that goes along with it.
- Because you are working with the owner you’ll be able to ask questions about the property you wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
- There is usually less competition for a pre-foreclosed home than a auctioned foreclosed home. You won’t have to worry about placing the highest bid.
- More time to evaluate financial scenario then at an auctioned property.
- Auctions can be either overwhelming or lead to egotistical or emotional decisions.
- You can bring an inspector along with you to inspect a pre-foreclosed home.
- You will be allowed to make a low down payment on a pre-foreclosed house. This is not the case at a foreclosure auction.
Always check to make sure that the pre-foreclosed home you’re interested in has no liens or judgments against it. You should also bring along someone to inspect the home for you so you’ll know of any problems. The risks in purchasing a pre-foreclosed home are similar to purchasing a home the traditional way, only a lot less expensive.
Getting ready to buy or sell a home in Utah? Make sure you visit Homes for Sale in Salt Lake City and get find out about all Homes for in SLC!

