Skip to Content

Unveiling Zombie Properties: Considerations Before Making a Purchase

Old house with Foreclosure sign on the door.Do you intend to invest in single-family rental properties? In the event that this would be your case, you ought to be conscious of the “zombie property” (also known as a “zombie foreclosure”) phenomenon. A zombie property is one that has been abandoned by the owner but has not yet been formally foreclosed on. Potential buyers may encounter additional trials because of this. In this blog post, we will define a zombie property and deliberate the actions essential to purchase one.

What is a zombie foreclosure?

A zombie foreclosure occurs when a homeowner abandons a property before the foreclosure process is completed. If a homeowner defaults on their mortgage, they may believe they must evacuate instantly, even if a foreclosure has not yet occurred. They may also leave the property for many different reasons. Because the foreclosure procedure has not been completed, the homeowner still owns this zombie property, not the bank or lender. These properties are frequently left abandoned for extended periods of time, deteriorating and posing safety and property value hazards for the entire community. Furthermore, the owner’s financial responsibilities for the home continue to mount, from property taxes to Owners Association levies and fines – and beyond.

How can I purchase a zombie property?

As you can expect, this scenario can make purchasing a zombie property difficult. Even while this does not rule out the option of purchasing zombie properties, you should be aware of the risks and take additional efforts to protect your investment. This will help you avoid losing money. If you are interested in purchasing a zombie property, the following steps are obligatory on your part:

  1. Before you make an offer, be sure to do your homework on a zombie property, you need to know exactly what you’re getting into. This includes investigating the property, the surrounding area, and the current market conditions. You ought to get in touch with them if you are not familiar with the local property management business that concentrates in investment property transactions.
  2. Get a good home inspector: A professional home inspection is even more important when you’re considering a zombie property. Be sure to hire a qualified inspector who can identify any and all potential problems with the property.
  3. Have faithful expectations: It’s important to remember that a zombie property is, by definition, a distressed property. This means that it will likely need both repairs and renovations and may not be up to your usual standards. Be sure to factor this into your offer price.
  4. Get expert help: Buying a zombie property can be complicated, so it’s important to have an experienced real estate agent, property management company, and attorney on your side. They can help you navigate the process and protect your interests.

If you’re considering buying a zombie property, remember to do your research and get expert help. With some extra care and attention, you can turn a zombie property into a thriving investment.

We work with investors in rental properties to locate and evaluate available properties, and we do this here at Real Property Management Solutions. Our specialists in the local market are available to assist you in conducting an in-depth analysis of the market, determining the most appropriate rental prices, and making the most of your investment. Get in touch with the Real Property Management office in your area for further information.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details