How To Buy Prior Lake Foreclosures?

So you want to buy one of the foreclosures in Prior Lake? Whether you own house currently or are a Minnesota first time home buyer, you will want to learn the basics before going out to buy. While there are plenty of great values in Prior Lake foreclosures you will want to be prepared for how to negotiate your purchase transaction.

 

Info about Prior Lake

Known as the sister city of Shakopee, Prior Lake is located about 20 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. With plenty of affordable housing for MN first time home buyers and move up buyers alike, the city has doubled in size over the past 20 years. The combination of Upper and Lower Prior Lakes make up the largest lake in the lower Twin Cities area. With 54 city parks and a well established Park and Rec, it seems like there is always something to do in Prior Lake. If you are looking to buy or sell a home here, please give me a call.

Foreclosures are Bank-Owned

A bank-owned foreclosure can be a great deal sometimes because the bank owns it and is paying for the maintenance of it. As opposed to a property offered as a short sale, the selling bank has a distinct motivation to get the home off of their books. At the same time, banks who are involved in selling a foreclosure want to get the highest value they can out of the property. In the lower price ranges it has turned into a sellers market meaning that many foreclosures sell for well above the listing price! Knowing what to offer for the foreclosure is critical in terms of being successful with your purchase.

Things to Consider in Buying Foreclosures

There are two big factors to consider when determining how much to offer. The first factor is to consider how long the property has been on the market and the second thing is the general property condition. A foreclosure that has just been listed is likely to sell for near the listing price (or even higher), while a bank that has a house that has been on the market a long time might be willing to negotiate for deeper discounts. Also, a listing that is in poor overall condition may not be able to be financed so the bank may reduce the price far enough to attract cash buyers. I can help you determine these factors as we search for foreclosures.

Foreclosures and Financing

If you are planning on financing the purchase of a foreclosure there are some important things to know as well. First, the listing must be in acceptable condition to the lender n order to qualify for most mortgage loans. Properties in generally poor condition will either require a cash offer or special mortgage financing such as the FHA 203k program. Selling banks will also tend to limit the amount seller paid concessions towards the closing costs of your home loan. In most cases today the selling bank will limit their contribution to three per cent of the selling price. Additionally, a selling bank will never look at your offer if it includes a financing contingency for the sale of a home and if you don't provide a preapproval letter along with the offer.

Get Preapproved Today

The first step in the home buying process is to get prequalified for financing. This simply means that you talk with a local lender who will review your credit, income, etc. In the prequalification application they can tell you what types of Minnesota first time buyer programs you might be qualified for. This important first step can be done right over the phone and most lenders will even do this with you when you are off from work.

Ready to Find A Foreclosed Home?

If you are thinking of buying a foreclosure please give me a call or send me an email. There are many great Prior Lake foreclosure values out there but knowing which one to buy will take some time and expertise. I would very much like to help you in your search for the ideal house!


Robert Phyle,CSP,GRI,RSA
Broker Associate, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Burnet
rlphyle@cbburnet.com
Cell 612-801-4657
Direct 952-997-1955
Fax 952-432-8372
7741 147th St W.
Apple Valley, MN 55124
www.facebook.com/robphylerealestate
Visit my website to find Minnesota homes for sale