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If you're like many prospective homeowners who've been looking at listings lately in preparation for moving forward with purchasing property, you've noticed listings for foreclosures. Some people in your position are attracted by the idea of saving money on foreclosures, while others may simply have fallen in love with a home that just happens to have been repossessed by the lending institution. Foreclosures are sold primarily in two ways — through public auctions and by private sales by the banks that own the property. Here's what you need to know about buying a foreclosed property.
Homeowners typically at least apply a fresh coat of paint and perform basic repairs before putting their properties on the market, but foreclosed properties are sold as-is. Because most of them have been sitting empty for quite some time, they may require serious repairs. You may think you're getting quite a bargain and wind up having to pay so much for repairs that you actually haven't saved any money.
You won't be allowed to see the home prior to the foreclosure auction, so you'll be basically flying blind when you make your bid — and this means that you have no way of knowing what repairs the inside of the home may need to make it livable and how much they will cost. Although you certainly can drive by the property and see what kind of condition the exterior and the yard are in, you legally can't enter it. Another issue with foreclosure auctions is that most of those who attend are professional real estate investors who are very familiar with the auction process who can easily outbid the average inexperienced bidder provided the property is worth what they want to pay. Furthermore, auction sales of foreclosures need to be paid for in cash, and most buyers simply don't have as much free liquid capital as investors do.
However, if you've fallen in love with a particular foreclosure and it's not yet slated to be sold at auction, a good real estate agent may be able to help you purchase it. Buying a bank-owned foreclosure comes with far fewer obstacles than purchasing their counterparts that are available via the auction process, and a skilled agent can walk you through it. You'll be able to inspect the property and get an idea of what repairs are going to run, which will provide you with protection against unforeseen financial losses. Bank-owned foreclosure sales happen just like their conventional counterparts, and it's also possible to get financing on foreclosed properties in this stage.
I have provided award-winning service to many clients over the past 25 years. Few other REALTORS are as trusted as I am. My clients trust my advice, and they know that I always look out for their best long-term interests. You can expect, and you will receive personal service that is second to none. When you hire me as your Agent you work with me and only me. I will answer your calls and respond to your text messages. I promise not to hand you off to another member of "My team" like others do. When you hire Ryan, you get Ryan.
I have called Southwest Michigan home for 40 years. My mother's family ran a local locksmith service, and my father served as the Chief Investigator for the County's Prosecutor's office for many years. I love all that this area offers, and I enjoy serving the buyers and sellers who are moving in or out of Southwest Michigan.
My wife and I have two children, and we would not want to raise them anywhere else. Between the award-winning schools and the plethora of youth activities offered in Southwest Michigan, it's a great place to call home. We enjoy spending time with friends at the beach, boating, golfing, hunting, skiing "Up North," and fishing.
We give back generously to the community that has been so good to us. Currently, I serve on the Lakeshore Public Schools Foundation Board (LEF), as Past President of the St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, and as a Rotarian in the Stevensville-Lakeshore Rotary Club. We donate throughout the year to various local organizations, schools, and youth sports groups.
I want to put my experience and knowledge to work for you. Having sold more than 500 properties while earning the trust and respect of my fellow REALTORS, who voted me the "REALTOR of the Year," I am confident I can earn your trust as well.
Looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate? Please allow me the opportunity to serve you. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Ryan Arnt
Real Estate Broker/Company Owner
Keller Williams of Southwest Michigan
You can reach me anytime, call or text 269.470.6666, or email me at [email protected].
When you need a REALTOR, Rely on Ryan!