Blog

Homebuyers are always looking for that special bargain. The old saying, “buy the worst home on the best street,” insinuates that buying a “fixer-upper” home can be a great investment. While it’s always important to get the most for your money, what about distressed properties? Are they really the best value?

Before you decide to buy, it’s important to understand what is considered a distressed property. While a distressed home might need significant repairs, the term “distressed” is actually referring to the financial situation of the seller (foreclosures and short sales) rather than the condition of the home.

The home itself might also have material issues. Everything from deferred maintenance to major system problems may be present, and a distressed homeowner will not be in a position to make repairs. Selling a home “as is” does not, however, eliminate their responsibility for disclosures and these must be carefully reviewed.

There are advantages to buying a distressed property. Often these homes are listed lower than market value to encourage a quick sale. If the home is considered a fixer-upper, the homebuyer might save thousands of dollars compared to other homes in the area. If you are handy or willing to tackle this kind of project, then buying a distressed property might be a great solution for you; just ensure you get a comprehensive home inspection so you are fully aware of the condition of the home.

If you find that the projects are beyond your skills, or the cost of the repairs would outweigh the savings, consider buying a more expensive home that is move-in ready instead. You’ll want to make sure you’re not getting in over your head…or your budget. In this way, the property will be the bargain you hoped it would be.

Even in a strong seller’s market, a homebuyer might hear the words, “Make me an offer.” For a nicely appointed home that is well priced, this can be a surprise. Being invited to write an offer can often give the buyer pause. Most buyers will immediately wonder if something is wrong with the home. Did they miss something that is causing the home to take longer to sell?

While it could be that something is wrong with the home, it most likely just demonstrates the seller’s readiness to move. It could be that they have found another home or are motivated by a relocation, but it might also be that they are tired of keeping the home show-ready and are just anxious to be done with it.

In this situation, it’s important for the homebuyer to listen to their agent. A buyer who hears, “Make me an offer,” often assumes this is an invitation to write a low-ball offer. The assumption is that the seller will take any offer just to get the home sold. The buyer thinks they’ve probably got this one in the bag!

The buyer’s agent will be able to add context to the situation and provide reasonable suggestions for price and terms. Even when invited to write an offer, home sellers will not discount their home if there is no need to do so, and sending an offer below market value might insult the seller and prevent a counter-offer or acceptance—causing the buyer to miss out on a desirable home.

Buying and selling real estate is emotional on both sides. Serious buyers and sellers are both eager to find the right deal, but foolish bargains are rare. When hearing, “Make me an offer,” the best move is to consider the home and then rely on the advice of the buyer’s agent about the next steps.