A purchase strategy for distressed real estate

Property condition ratings introduce new risk

By Inman News Feed
Add Comment Add Comment | Comments: 2 | Posted Apr. 9, 2012

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A purchase strategy for distressed properties

An inspection report from a licensed expert will help in the decision as to whether to buy the house but will not eliminate uncertainty regarding how an appraiser will classify the condition of the house. If the house is classified C5 or C6, a loan may not be available.

If the sales contract has a mortgage contingency clause, which is a standard provision in some states, the buyer who can't get a mortgage because the property is classified C6 or C5 will get his earnest deposit back and the deal is canceled. However, the thwarted buyer will not be reimbursed for the cost of the inspection or the appraisal, which might total about $700.

If a property is being sold "as is" and the standard sales contract does not have a mortgage contingency clause, I would pass unless the seller agreed to return my earnest deposit if the property is classified C6 by the appraiser. You could be more conservative and require the return of the deposit with a C5, which would avoid a mortgage problem because most lenders will accept a C4 or better, but it may substantially reduce the number of sellers who will deal with you.

While accepting a C5 will give you access to more houses, you must find one or more lenders who will accept a C5. You would be well advised to do this in advance of purchase.

Thanks to Kevin Iverson, who contributed materially to this article.

The writer is professor of finance emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Comments and questions can be left at www.mtgprofessor.com.

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Copyright 2012 Jack Guttentag

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1. Bank mortgage rates said... on Apr 27, 2012 at 12:27PM

“Great post - I can't stop laughing and having flash backs from the many websites I've seen practicing the things you've mentioned above. I was wondering why Real Estate agents post their listings and have wondered if this was appropriate for a blog - thanks for clearing it up!
Cheers”

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2. vicdogra said... on Jan 25, 2013 at 09:18AM

“I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.”

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