Risks To Consider And Funds Required When Buying At A Trustee Sale

Knowing some initial steps to take prior to an Arizona Trustee Sale will lower your risks dramatically. You have an opportunity to buy a home with immediate equity which is a huge benefit that can outweigh the risks and possible ramifications.

When you purchase a home at the Trustee Sale, you are buying a lien, not a property. If you don’t do your research, you could accidentally buy a second position lien in which case you will have bought an obligation to pay off any first position lien.

Doing the proper research and having the knowledge of title will lower your risks and potential ramification. Property tax liens are more probable and less of a liability than an IRS lien. Once liens are verified then you can feel more comfortable with moving forward to the next step.

We’ve all heard the term “As-Is”. You can rest assured when buying a home through a Trustee Sale, the property will be sold “As-Is”. That means there will be no inspections, home or termite, and no buyer or seller warranties. There will also be no title insurance.

Once you win a Trustee Sale bid, there are financial requirements. First you must place an earnest deposit in the amount of $10,000 with a cashier’s check to the trustee. You also must have the remaining funds to pay the note in full within 24 hours after you win the bid. Failure to close the transaction the following day you will automatically lose your earnest deposit and possibly face additional legal ramifications.

How do you obtain the entire amount of the property in such a short period of time? The answer is usually a hard money lender. They may charge exorbitant interest rates on the loan but you will only need it temporarily. After 30 days or so you’ll be able to refinance the note. When you refinance you will be required to place additional funds in escrow which will act as an earnest deposit. You will need approval from the hard money lender prior to attending the Trustee Sale.

Once you purchase the home chances are they will require some maintenance. Most repairs will be cosmetic such as paint, carpet and drywall repair. You will need to bring the home up to standards before renting or selling the home. A percentage of the costs of repairs is usually decided or allotted prior to placing the bid and keep in mind you are buying a home with instant equity.

Most investors or buyers will not pay over 70% of market value. Keep in mind if you refinance the note using a conventional mortgage they only lend 80% of value.