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Faqs About Buying A Foreclosed Condo

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If you are in the market for condos for sale, you should factor foreclosed properties in your search. Some people shy away from foreclosures out of fear that the property will come with strings, but there are ways to protect yourself and snag the condo you want. To help with your search and purchasing, here are some things you need to know. 

Why Should You Buy a Foreclosed Property?

There are several reasons you should consider buying a foreclosed condo. For instance, there is a chance you could score a below-market price because the seller is more motivated to sell. As a result, you could also potentially get additional help from the seller with your closing costs and receive major concessions.

If the seller is particularly desperate to sell the property, he or she might be willing to make necessary repairs or help with the costs of the repairs. This could mean that a property that you previously scratched off of your list due to its condition could be put back into play. 

Why Should You Avoid a Foreclosed Property?

Although there are major advantages to buying a foreclosed condo, there are a couple of drawbacks to look out for. For instance, the market for foreclosed properties could be limited. Since foreclosed properties are often sold at a lower price, they are usually in high demand. 

The process to buy a foreclosed condo can also be slow. Since the property has been through foreclosure, the original lender has to sign off on the sale of the home. Unfortunately, this can take time and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in the end. 

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

If you have decided to buy a foreclosed condo, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure you make a sound investment. One of the most important steps you can take is to always tour the property before making an offer. Unfortunately, some buyers have purchased properties in the past sight unseen and discovered that there was significant damage that they ended up paying for. 

Another way to protect yourself is to know exactly what it will take to make a condo livable. Get an estimate from a contractor for all repairs that need to be done. You can use the estimate to negotiate with the seller. If he or she is unwilling to negotiate, you can then decide whether or not it is worth it to buy the condo and make the repairs yourself. 

Your real estate agent can help you determine what other methods you can use to protect yourself when purchasing a foreclosed condo.  


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