Using an Exterior Broker Price Opinion to Purchase REO's

Many homebuyers and sellers look to save money butthey produce a price for the bank. This price is what
never think of using an exterior broker price opinion tothey believe the bank should sell the property for and
reach a fair market deal for the home. But recently,what the bank could reasonably receive in its current
exterior broker price opinions have been usedcondition.
extensively, especially for REO properties that areWhy would banks want to use this method when it's
abundant and not moving as quickly.not based upon a true well-thought out cost analysis?
The list has overwhelmingly grown for bank ownedThis is because it's much cheaper for banks to pay up
properties, more commonly known as real estateto $50 per home instead of paying for a certified
owned, or REO properties. These foreclosures haveappraisal which could cost about $200 per home.
multiplied way beyond what the banks were preparedBanks have already lost money on non-payment of
for and now banks are looking to off load the homesmortgages and the entire foreclosure process so now
while keeping expenses down. So they've turned toit comes down to getting these reo properties off of
using an exterior broker price opinion to develop a fairtheir books.
market value to price these homes.However, can the home buyer count on the exterior
What is an exterior broker price opinion? It's an opinionbroker price opinion as a fair opinion? Not always.
conducted by a licensed real estate agent or broker ofTake into consideration that the banks want to recoup
the home's value. It's by no means all-encompassing;as much money as possible. An exterior broker price
for the purpose of selling these REO foreclosedopinion doesn't really get a full picture of the foreclosed
homes it only provides a snap-shot view of what thehome's worth. No structural considerations have been
home *may* be worth. It doesn't take intointroduced when you rely on the exterior broker price
consideration the intricacies of interior effects. Theopinion. This is why many investors who purchase a
licensed Realtor or broker performs a drive-by andREO property submit a new offer and try to
using their professional experience and knowledgerenegotiate the selling price.