Tips for Buyers Previewing Foreclosure/Bank-Owned Homes

If you’re a home buyer who is considering purchasing a foreclosure/bank-owned property between now and the end of summer, here are a few tips when it comes to previewing these types of properties:

• Dress light and bring a towel - many foreclosure/bank-owned properties don’t have the electricity turned on which means that the air conditioning is not on - 90+ degrees outside can equal 100+ degrees inside
• Don’t wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty - most likely, neither the previous owners nor the bank cleaned the house prior to it coming on the market
• Bring a flashlight - the electricity may be turned off so it’ll be dark in the basement area especially if it’s an inground basement
• Use the bathroom just before you head out to preview homes - the water may be turned off meaning that the toilets are not working
• Consider leaving your children with a family member/friend - the lack of air conditioning makes for extra hot temperatures inside the home which can make kids really cranky, really fast (plus no working toilets)
• Bring something to drink and some snacks - the high temperatures outside and inside the home can make you thirsty and lethargic. If you’re anything like me when you’re really thirsty or hungry, you’re brain will slow down and you won’t be able to focus