Deciding whether to buy a distressed Murphy, NC property is a bit like jumping into the stock market. You choose a potential candidate, weigh the possible benefits and drawbacks of your actions, and decide whether to make your move or stay on the sidelines.
Unlike the stock market, however, finalizing a property purchase only marks the beginning of your grand adventure. Before you sign on the dotted line, and commit your dollars and sweat equity to an often-complex project, step back and take an objective look at the challenging path ahead. Simply put, evaluate the pros and cons before jumping into the fray. Read on for several tips that may help you make an informed buying decision.
HALLMARKS OF A DISTRESSED PROPERTY
Although each case is different, a distressed property typically features a dramatically reduced price, often the result of an existing or potential foreclosure. Not surprisingly, Murphy, NC foreclosure houses are generally sold in “as-is” condition. In other words, the current owners (or the bank) will not make any repairs before the foreclosure sale’s completion.
ENJOY A WELL-KNOWN BENEFIT
Purchasing a distressed property generally comes with one major benefit: the property’s below-market-value price. Objectively speaking, the owners want to shake themselves free of their financial burden – fast. To accomplish that goal, they’re willing to sell now and accept less cash for the property. Equally importantly, they won’t have to spend money to make repairs and/or upgrades that would bring them a higher sale price later.
CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
When you buy a distressed property, you’ll generally save some valuable cash, making it a tempting resale candidate after you return it to better condition. However, you’re likely to encounter one (or all) of these four obstacles during your house purchase and rehab process.
Competition from Cash Buyers
Many distressed Murphy, NC properties attract well-heeled cash buyers ready to pounce on a desirable target. If you decide to submit your own cash offer, line up your resources beforehand so you can meet these savvy investors on a level playing field. If you’re not flush with funds, and must finance the house purchase, obtain an ironclad loan prequalification from a cooperative lender. To position yourself more favorably against the cash buyers, consider increasing the size of your down payment.
Potential Financing Obstacles
Many distressed Murphy, NC houses are in less-than-optimal condition, increasing the chances that they won’t meet a lender’s loan requirements. Before you decide to buy the house, order an objective property appraisal. After the lender reviews it, they’ll determine the property’s value, decide whether the house is in habitable condition, and take action on your loan application.
More Complicated Transaction
Buying a distressed property often requires lots of patience, as you’ll often encounter multiple rounds of paperwork compared to more conventional real estate purchases. So, temper your expectations accordingly, and you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
Higher Repair/Upgrade Expenses
In many cases, the distressed Murphy, NC property has damaged walls or broken windows, and one or more appliances may be missing. The property’s electrical and/or plumbing systems might also require complex repairs. Regardless of the issues, the buyer (you) are likely responsible for hiring contractors to fix the problem(s) and bring the house up to local code requirements.
DISTRESSED PROPERTY PURCHASE GUIDELINES
If you have some solid home renovation experience under your belt, or have cultivated a network of first-class contractors, you’re in a good position to make a distressed property buying decision. On the other hand, if you’re new to this dynamic submarket, get some valuable professional assistance before investing your dollars in the project.
For starters, choose a Murphy, NC realtor who has proven experience with distressed property purchases. They’ll objectively evaluate a potential candidate’s condition, and provide details on the work (and dollars) required to make the property habitable again. With that knowledge in hand, you (and your realtor) can decide whether that’s an investment you’re ready to make.
The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.ILoveMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team