Buyers/Sellers: What Does Few Foreclosure/Bank-Owned Properties on the Market Mean To You?

The other day, I talked about how few foreclosure/bank-owned properties there are on the market in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia (click here if you missed the post). But what does having only a very few foreclosure/bank-owned properties on the market really mean for Loudoun/Northern Virginia home buyers and sellers?

Buyers

• If you would like to settle quickly, your only options are traditional resales and foreclosure/bank-owned properties. Either can typically settle within 3 to 6 weeks (less if cash offer) of when the contract is accepted and ratified
• Since there are so few foreclosure/bank-owned properties, the overwhelming majority of properties you’ll see will be traditional resales
• Traditional resales are typically in better condition and require less work than foreclosure/bank-owned properties, but you’ll pay more for them up-front in the purchase price
• If you have the time (3 to 6+ months) and patience and want to spend less money up front, but don’t mind doing some work to the property, then you may want to consider a short-sale
• If you’re trying to take advantage of the first-time home buyer tax credit, you’re looking at only foreclosure/bank-owned properties and traditional resale (click here for more information on what I mean by that)

Sellers

• If you are a home owner selling your home as a traditional resale (not a short-sale), you’re in a great position
• When there were a lot of foreclosure/bank-owned properties on the market, buyers who needed to settle quickly could choose from a foreclosure/bank-owned property or a traditional resale. Now…their options are pretty much limited to traditional resales, which is good for you

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR LOUDOUN FORECLOSURE/BANK-OWNED PROPERTIES