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Foreclosures and Short Sales

The lure of a bargain is irresistible. That's why home buyers are attracted to distress sales. But with many websites listing so many properties that are not for sale or have sold, it can be difficult to know what's really out there. And once you do find a home that's available, getting a deal done can be a huge challenge. The first step to navigate distress sales is to understand the three types of home sales.

Regular Sale

The value of the home is greater than the home mortgages, so the seller is able to negotiate a deal with a buyer, payoff the mortgages, and convey clear title at settlement.

Short Sale

The homeowner has title to the property, but the value of the home is less than the home mortgages. To deliver clear title at settlement, the seller's bank(s) must agree to remove their liens and be paid 'short' of what's owed by the seller.

Foreclosures

The bank has taken title from the homeowner through the foreclosure process. These are also called REOs (Real Estate Owned) and Bank Owned properties. To purchase a foreclosure, a home buyer negotiates directly with the bank, and the bank delivers clear title at settlement.

We've helped buyers and sellers for all types of sales. We would say we've seen everything, but every new deal seems to have it's own I-can't-believe-this-is-happening moment. Here's our perspective on these types of sales.


Short Sales: No Fun for Anyone

No one enjoys a short sale: the buyer, the seller, the agent, the negotiator - no one. Short sales are problematic because the servicer of the mortgage must review the seller's financial situation, evaluate the contract to the home's market value, and get investor approval. You would think banks would be super-efficient at processing a short sale by now, but they aren't. Documentation must be submitted, submitted again, and then again. They require special addenda from all parties, and then require it again. Banks will not accept electronic signatures, so you're printing/signing/faxing/scanning over and over. The process takes months, and no one can tell you when a contract will be approved, rejected or countered. And after months of work, many (most?) contracts fall through.

But a buyer can get a great deal, so it's worth it, right? Sometimes, but not often. Sellers don't make repairs, and banks often put the home's value at the top of the market, so they won't allow the home to be sold at a bargain price. A buyer should only consider a short sale if they have plenty of time and patience.


Foreclosures: No Fun Either, But Less Painful.

A foreclosure is the legal (and lengthy) process by which a lien-holder takes title from a homeowner. Once the bank takes title, they put the home on the market for sale. You submit an offer to the bank and negotiate directly with the bank, so it doesn't take months to receive a response. That's the good news.

Now the bad news. Brokers who typically represent banks are paid very little. They often manage a lot of properties so don't expect quick turnaround on anything. Once an offer is submitted, it can be difficult to get a written and timely response. When the bank does respond they will send a stack of disclaimers, and then later find more disclaimers to sign. And, of course, electronic signatures are rarely accepted so you're back to printing, signing, scanning and emailing again. Banks hardly ever do repairs, and typically - but not always - the home is in poor condition.

But you can get a great deal, right? No, not really. Most deals are just OK. If the home needs work, any savings are quickly offset by repairs.

Another frustration for buyers are foreclosure sites that list homes that are not available for purchase. If a homeowner is going through the foreclosure process, public notifications trigger entries on these sites. Consumers are led to believe these homes are available to purchase when they aren't. If a homeowner wants to sell, they will put it on the market as a short sale.


Regular Sales: The Best Deals?

As we look back, the best deals we've helped buyers get are regular sales. A highly motivated homeowner who has significant equity in a home is the best opportunity to get the best price on the best home. You negotiate with one party and quickly get a deal done. Homes are in much better condition, and sellers will often make repairs.


So when looking for a bargain, look at all homes on the market. You never know where you'll find the next great deal. Here's a list of today's newest foreclosures available for purchase.

All Foreclosures for Sale   All Short Sales for Sale

Newest Foreclosures

19013 Gold Mine Pl, Brookeville image
19013 Gold Mine Pl, Brookeville $535,000

"This Property is being offered AS IS, WHERE IS AND IS OCCUPIED. THE OCCUPANTS ARE NOT TO BE DISTURBED!! THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN PLACE IN AN UPCOMING AUCTION ON XOME.C...

  • 4 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • MDMC2052708 MLS
1761 Staley Manor Dr, Silver Spring image
1761 Staley Manor Dr, Silver Spring $250,000

Two Story End-Unit Townhouse at a great location, close to public utilities and amenities. Great Value...sweat equity-builder, with great bones. Re-imagine to your taste...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • MDMC2052446 MLS
4920 Sentinel Dr Unit #306, Bethesda image
4920 Sentinel Dr Unit #306, Bethesda $795,000

Long and Foster Real Estate is pleased to offer this rarely available 3-bedroom Sumner Village unit with 2 ½ updated baths and COVERED PARKING. The ready for move-in apa...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • MDMC2048736 MLS
11816 Eton Manor Dr Unit #102, Germantown image
11816 Eton Manor Dr Unit #102, Germantown — Eton Place Codm $255,000

Beautifull ground level condo in secure building, 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, each bedroom with Walkin closets, large living space walkout to patio area, dining area off...

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • MDMC2049764 MLS
  • Eton Place Codm Bldg.
23341 Frederick Rd, Clarksburg image
23341 Frederick Rd, Clarksburg $400,000

FORECLOSURE REAL ESTATE AUCTION ON SITE TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 AT 11:00 AM. List price is suggested opening bid only. Court ordered auction - no pre-auction offers will be...

  • MDMC2049616 MLS
9054 Centerway Rd, Gaithersburg image
9054 Centerway Rd, Gaithersburg $315,000

HUD Property Case Number: 249-501064 IN (Insured Escrow). Inspections for information purposes only. Property sold as-is condition. Seller will make no repairs and no rep...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • MDMC2049174 MLS
15413 Spring Meadows Dr, Germantown image
15413 Spring Meadows Dr, Germantown $849,900 ▼

Close proximity to a vast variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the towns of Germantown, Clarksburg, and Olney. Outdoor recreation awaits you at Great...

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • MDMC2046648 MLS
9915 Valley Park Dr Unit #B-1, Damascus image
9915 Valley Park Dr Unit #B-1, Damascus $299,500 ▼

Peaceful and desirable Valley Park community within walking distance to Damascus Pool and Recreation Association, and just minutes to shopping, dining, and all the many n...

  • 3 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • MDMC2047934 MLS
2316 Countryside Dr, Silver Spring image
2316 Countryside Dr, Silver Spring $649,900 ▼

This is a Fannie Mae HomePath Property . All offers must be submitted on HomePath. First Look period has ended . Large single family home beautifully situated backing to...

  • 5 Beds
  • 3 Baths
  • MDMC2046808 MLS
18501 Bay Leaf Way, Germantown image
18501 Bay Leaf Way, Germantown $269,000 ▼

End -Unit townhome located in Germantown Park featuring 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, fenced side yard with storage shed, nearby streams and trails, close proximity to I-270, sh...

  • 3 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • MDMC2046024 MLS

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Gaithersburg, MD 20878
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