The Vital Topic of Liens in Real Estate

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The advantages to buying properties from homeowners in default can only be measured by the individual investor. Some do not see enough reward, some think it’s too risky, while others are plagued by moral issues. Are you helping the troubled homeowner or taking advantage of his misfortune? learn the knowledge of slots games Both the lender and the homeowner lose in a foreclosure action. Neither want it to happen. Both parties are motivated to resolve the situation. Motivated parties are key to the process. The investing window of opportunity opens the day the Lis Pendens, the notice that a legal action is pending, is filed. The window closes the day the property is sold at auction.

The time between these two events enables an investor to work with the homeowner and lender to create a workout strategy or a purchase of the property from the homeowner before the sale date. The amount of time the window remains open depends solely on state and local laws, as well as the behavior of the property owner. Some states sell properties within 90-120 days from the first notice of default. In New York, the process can take a year or more. As for the moral question, keep in mind that by dealing with a homeowner in default, you not only help him, you generally rescue the loan and maintain the value of the property (and surrounding properties) as well. If there is enough equity in the property, there is the potential to work out an arrangement that satisfies all parties and allows for a handsome profit. That’s what pre-foreclosure investing is all about: buying the equity in the property, working out an arrangement with the lender and the homeowner, then selling the property for a profit. Investors follow these basic guidelines to ensure a successful purchase and sale: Locate loans in default Evaluate choices and narrow selections Contact homeowner Inspect property and loan documents Determine homeowner’s needs Calculate your selling price and profits Negotiate with lender, owner and lien holders Close the deal, repair as necessary and sell Locating Loans in Default The Lis Pendens is the first public notice (document) that announces a loan in default, so it makes sense to start there.

Access these notices at the county courthouse, newspapers that routinely advertise these notices or through a reputable Foreclosure Service Provider. Evaluate Selections & Determine Potential You know the default amount from the legal notices or service provider’s information. Now you must estimate the property’s market value. Subtract the default amount from the estimated market value to determine the gross equity in the property. This figure also reflects your gross profit potential. If there is little or no difference in the amount of debt and the market value, move on to another property. If there is a big difference, there may be enough equity in the property to make a sizeable profit. Contact the Homeowner This is easier said then done. The homeowner is probably being bombarded with letters and calls from attorneys and bill collectors and has creditors showing up at his door. The only way to contact the homeowner is by phone, mail or in person, and chances are you will have a difficult time getting in touch with him. Start with mailings. Indicate in your letter that you are a private investor looking for property in that part of town. Let the property owner know that you may be able to help him with his financial problems. Demonstrating an understanding the homeowner’s dilemma will help your efforts. Indicate in your letter that you may be able to stop the foreclosure, save his credit rating and provide cash for use in paying his bills and/or for relocating. Be professional and gracious in your correspondence. Invite the homeowner to call you at his convenience. learn the knowledge of casino games If you don’t hear from him in a reasonable amount of time, say three or four weeks, follow up with another letter, perhaps

The Vital Topic of Liens in Real Estate