REO properties in San Francisco Foreclosure Listings

 San Francisco is relatively behind in the Foreclosure rate compared to other cities of California. But foreclosure rates have been rising lately. When property reverts to the lender, namely the Bank, it is called as Real Estate Owned (REO) property. Investors who wish to make hay while the sun shines need to keep certain facts in mind when they use San Francisco Foreclosure Listings for buying REO properties.

 Finding an REO Listing is the first task. This is relatively simple. You have to just decide on a budget and a geographic area, check yellow pages or online postings of San Francisco Foreclosure Listings. Then you zero on to a property foreclosed by a bank.

There are special considerations with Real Estate Owned by Banks properties in San Francisco foreclosure listings.

•    Banks do not do more than basic maintenance of foreclosed properties. They don’t paint nor replace carpets. Be prepared to make a sizeable expenditure to get the property in shape after you purchase it.


•    Remember that Bank owned properties may be discounted but they are never total give aways. The Bank usually determines the asking price after consulting several real estate agents in the area. Once the bank has an asking price it will hold for a period of time. If they don’t get that amount in three or four weeks, they will lower the price a little more.

•    Very often they can draw multiple offers. This is because there is a fierce competition in people trying to buy foreclosed properties.

•    They are sold in ‘As-is’ condition. May be the foundation is shaky, the appliances all in not working condition, the carpets all torn and tattered. Make sure you take these factors into account while making your offer. Like in the case of usual home purchases arrange for home inspections. You must add fix up costs to the total asking price so you don’t suffer later.

 If you buy from owner occupants it is a lot different from buying bank owned property. The owner occupant can give you lot of information about the property but the Bank has limited information about foreclosed property.

 Before you make an offer, you must be ready with your finances. Banks and owners are aware of how difficult it is to procure a house-mortgage. So you must come prequalified for a mortgage.

 Next you approach real estate auctioneer selling hundreds of foreclosed properties on the behalf of banks.  These are usually in good condition with clear title deeds. Very often, all pending liens have been cleared. The Bank is eager to get the property off its hands. It doesn’t want to have a public image of having bad debts. So REO properties are sold at reasonable discounts and within short periods.