A Guide in Buying Foreclosed Properties

Disadvantages of Buying FOreclosed Properties | Photo from CREB
Disadvantages of Buying Foreclosed Properties | Photo from CREB

Attention, all bargain hunters and real estate enthusiasts! Have you ever considered buying a foreclosed property in the Philippines? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Foreclosed properties offer great potential for those looking to invest in real estate at a lower cost. However, diving into this market can be daunting without proper guidance. No need to worry, though because we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide on buying foreclosed properties in the Philippines. Read on as we provide expert tips and tricks that will help you navigate through this potentially lucrative venture.

What are foreclosed properties?

Foreclosed properties are those that have been recovered by the mortgage lender from the borrower who defaulted on their loan. In most cases, these properties are put up for sale to recoup the losses incurred by the foreclosure process.

How to find Foreclosed Properties

The best way to find and purchase foreclosed properties and foreclosed homes in the Philippines is through banks, lending institutions, government financial institutions, and the National Housing Authority. These are the institutions that had offered loans to previous property owners before foreclosure. They will provide you with all the necessary documents and instructions in acquiring foreclosed properties. You can also hire a lawyer to help you in conducting your title search and due diligence. The lender designates a Trustee who will handle the sale of the property.

Payments and Taxes

Real Property Tax

The buyers of foreclosed properties are responsible for paying the real property taxes unless it is specifically stated in the Notice of Sale that the seller will pay the tax. The unpaid mortgage payments and other charges are usually deducted from the sale price of the real estate properties

Mortgage Payments

The outstanding payment should be paid by the owner at the time of purchase. If the buyer fails to make the mortgage payment, the property will be put up for sale again.

The benefits of buying foreclosed properties

Investors who are looking for good deals on real estate should consider buying foreclosed properties in the Philippines. Here are five benefits of doing so:

  1. You can buy foreclosed properties at much lower prices than its market value. With the current depressed state of the economy, many homes have been foreclosed and are selling for much less than their market value. You may be able to avoid paying some of the fees and taxes that are associated with purchasing a property. This is because in many cases, the previous owner of the foreclosed property will have already paid these fees and taxes.

  2. You can get a property in good condition if you buy from a reputable foreclosure auction. You can often buy the property “as is.” This means that you don’t have to worry about making repairs or improvements before you move in. Of course, you will want to have a property or home inspection by a professional to make sure there are no major problems, but in general, you can save a lot of money by buying a foreclosed property “as is.”

  3. The foreclosure process in the Philippines is faster than in other countries, so you can get your property sooner.

  4. You can help revive the local economy. By buying a foreclosed house, you are helping inject money back into the economy and you are also giving the property a second chance.

  5. There is less competition from other prospective buyers when you purchase a foreclosed property.

  6. You can often negotiate with the seller for a better price. The bank may even be willing to negotiate a better deal.

Foreclosure Process

The buying process of foreclosed homes in the Philippines is divided into three stages: pre-purchase, sale, and post-purchase. In the pre-purchase stage, it is important to personally inspect the property, check its legal documents, and conduct due diligence. In the sale stage, the highest bidder will be declared as the buyer and, consequently, the new property owner. Lastly, in the post-purchase stage, the payments and other costs need to be settled to take full ownership of the property.

The first step in buying foreclosed properties is to identify them. You can do this by searching online for listings or by contacting reputable real estate agents and accredited brokers who specialize in foreclosed properties. Make sure to do your research and read reviews before settling on an agent.

Once you’ve found a good real estate agent, work with them to find potential foreclosure properties that fit your budget and requirements.

Once you’ve found a property you’re interested in, your real estate agent will help you make an offer. The seller may take this offer, but they are not required to do so to sell the property at the current market value price. You must always conduct your due diligence and research when considering any real estate purchase. Lastly, your real estate agent will guide you through the rest of the process, including helping you secure financing if needed.

The risks of buying foreclosed properties

Buying a foreclosed property in the Philippines can be a profitable real estate investment as its acquisition price is lower than the actual market value. However, it also comes with risks, such as mortgage payments, legal documents, and repairs. Foreclosures can be a great way to get a good deal on a property, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved before making an offer on a foreclosed home.

One of the risks is that the property may have hidden damages that are not immediately apparent. This could include water damage, structural damage, or other issues that can be expensive to repair. The property may also have outstanding liens or judgments against it. This means that you could be responsible for paying off these debts to clear the title to the property. The previous property owner may also still have utilities connected to the property. This means that you would be responsible for paying any outstanding bills.

Additionally, the previous owner may still have personal belongings on the property. This could include furniture, appliances, or even cars. You would need to negotiate with the previous owner to have these items removed from the property.

Conclusion

Purchasing a foreclosed property in the Philippines is a great way to get your foot on the property ladder. With careful research, you can be sure to find an affordable and quality home within your budget. Although it can be intimidating at first, buying a foreclosed property is one of the smartest investments that you could make as it provides access to excellent real estate for much lower prices than other properties on the market. So if you’re looking for an opportunity to purchase a quality home, start researching and take advantage of this amazing investment opportunity.

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