If you’re considering foreclosure properties in your house hunt in Denver, you’ve likely seen HUD listings as well as bank-owned (REO) properties. While there are similarities in these types of homes, the process for buying them is a bit different. Here’s we’ll give the breakdown on how HUD homes and REO homes differ.
HUD homes actually belong to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This is the organization in charge of public housing and community development. While they offer a variety of programs aimed at helping homeowners avoid foreclosure, if that can’t be prevented, HUD sells the foreclosed homes to recoup the loss.
REO stands for “real estate owned”, but in reality the bank is actually the owner of these types of properties. When the bank forecloses, the lender often attempts to sell the home in a foreclosure auction with the opening bid equal to the loan balance. If the home doesn’t sell, the bank regains ownership of the home.
Both types of properties are typically sold “as-is”, meaning neither owner will be making extensive repairs before selling.
HUD homes are sold through a bidding process. In the initial stage of bidding, priority is given to buyers who intend to use the home as a primary residence. All offers are reviewed at the same time, with the highest bid generally accepted.
REO homes, on the other hand, don’t’ offer priority to owner occupants. Experts recommended providing a good faith-deposit of 1 percent of the purchase price along with your offer. At this time, the bank may accept or counter offer.