I am now looking at post-foreclosure properties that have reverted back to the lender. Banks call these REOs or Real-Estate Owned properties. Most investors tend to wait until these REOs are listed on the Multiple Listing Service. There are 58 active REO listings in Seattle on the NWMLS today. There were 261 sales on the NWMLS of REOs in Seattle in the past six months. These REO houses typically sell for 102% of list price within the first 30 days on market.
However, it is possible to purchase these properties directly from the bank BEFORE they are listed on the open market. This is the space in which it is possible to find the best deals, at the best prices, and with the least amount of competition. From time to time, I will use this blog to identify these REO properties in Seattle that I think may be of interest to investors and other bargain hunters.
Here are just a few I like right now.
One is a fire-damaged property on Delridge Way SW in West Seattle. It is on a 4986sf lot zoned NC2-40 (see previous post for examples of commercial zoning and uses). The value is in the land here. The current tax assessed value of the land is $248,400. However, the bank had advertised this property previously for over 200 days on market at $235,000 and it did not sell. I spoke with the bank REO department, and they are willing to negotiate and open to receiving offers now. This property would be of particular interest to a small builder or developer, keeping in mind that there will likely be a parking requirement by the City as this is not in a designated Urban Village.
Another land parcel is located adjacent to Westcrest Park in West Seattle. It is a 30,075sf raw land parcel zoned SF7200. So it is possible to build four homes on this parcel. The tax assessed value of the land is only $129,000 and the previous owner defaulted owing $93,000 in taxes and penalties to the bank. This parcel will eventually be listed for sale, based on a bank appraisal of value.
The third property that I like is a charming 1946 view home in West Seattle, with 4 bedrooms and 2.25 bathrooms, and 2160sf. Zillow puts the value of this home at $493, 274. The last sale on this property was for $350,000 in 2002, and Realist puts the current value around $521,000. It is not yet determined when this will come on the market.
If you would like additional information on these or other REO sales in Seattle, please message me privately at HomeLandInvestment@gmail.com.
Happy Investing!
