For both first-time and seasoned property investors, one of the best bets for scoring a great deal on a prize property is through an auction. An auction is a good place to start if you want to get up on the first rung of the property ladder. For the more experienced investor, auctions are also helpful in securing a reasonable property to add to your investments portfolio.

The greatest lure of auctions is that properties are sold at a price well below market value. How is this possible?

Well, most auctioned-off properties are repossessions and rundown properties.

Repossessions are those homes or properties than have been used as collateral for a loan which the owner defaulted on. Thus, banks or lending institutions have called in the loan and are now the new owners of the repossessed property. Since banks are not in the property business, they want to dispose of the property fast and recoup their cash investment. Thus, many of these repossessed properties are sold at auction for a bargain price and sometimes for a price well below market value.

On the other hand, auctions are also a great avenue to pick up a rundown property that you can repair and refurbish to sell at a higher price. The attraction of a rundown property is, of course, its very low price. Though it is unsellable in its current state, by doing the necessary repairs and a little fixing-up, that once-shabby house could turn into a dream home. Look for rundown properties that have potential and factor in the cost of the repairs to determine whether the asking price is still a bargain.

While auctions can be a great place to score a bargain and save some money, there are some things to keep in mind and be conscious of. A property auction is a heady and thrilling experience and most people get so caught up in the process that they end up paying more for a property than they would have liked. Remember that your ultimate goal at the auction is to score a bargain, and not win a game. Go to the auction house with a maximum price bid in mind and stick to it and stop when the price gets too high. Also, choose properties well. You do not want to get stuck with an investment that it impossible to resell. Stay away from properties that are in severe disrepair, have unclear legal titles or those without proper legal access to the property or land.

If you have never been to an auction before, then now is a good time as any. It is definitely a good idea to do a little visiting and scouting around to see how auctions all across the United Kingdom are being conducted. If you are a first-timer, check out the auction scene first and attend as a viewer and not as a serious bidder. Take an experienced companion with you or someone who knows the ropes of an auction sale. More importantly, research on your potential purchase. What is the current asking price of similar properties in the same location? What is the neighbourhood like? Determine neighbourhood safety, noise level and the adequacy of private parking as these are the usual clinching points that make the property easier to resell.



Sell and Rent Back

It may fee as though you have no option other than to surrender your property when facing home repossession. This is not true, however, as there are options to consider which can help to stop repossession of you home and save you from eviction.

Repossession is one of the most devastating things that can happen to a home owner. The very thought of losing your family home to a lender as a result of a failure to keep up with mortgage repayments is unpleasant and uncomfortable. Unfortunately this unfortunate even happens to thousand a people each year forcing entire families to evict their homes and begin their lives again.

Once the repossession process is complete the pain of the experience does not immediately stop. The effects of losing your home and destroying your credit rating can last for many years making it difficult to build a new life. While it may seem like there is no way to stop this terrible experience from occurring once a possession order has been made, there are options available.

Firstly, it is important to remember that lenders do not actually want to repossess properties. It is an expensive and drawn out process. Lenders are in the business of lending money, not repossessing properties, and they are usually receptive to any alternative solutions that can be reasonably offered by the borrower.

Therefore, your first act in attempting to stop repossession is to contact your mortgage lender and try to reach an agreement for paying off your debts while being allowed to keep your home.

A second solution to stop repossession of your home is to refinance your mortgage and any other debts you may have. Many finance companies specialize in refinancing loans for applicants whose properties are at risk.

Another alternative, which is proving popular in modern times, is to sell your property for cash to any number of companies that specialize in solutions for stopping repossession.

The sale proceeds can be used to clear up mortgage arrears and pay off the balance of the mortgage. Such a solution can ensure that the potential repossession victim is not made homeless and will have every opportunity to make a fresh start.

Such a solution should also help to ensure that their personal credit rating is not plundered. This should help ensure that the recovery process is as quick and painless as possible.

A recent trend that has emerged in the current credit crisis is for people facing repossession to simply abandon their homes. Home owners who cannot keep up with their mortgage repayments are simply handing over the keys to their lenders and surrendering their property.

This is not an advisable solution as the lender will be forced to carry out the repossession process as normal and the borrower’s credit rating and personal finances will suffer. All other alternatives should be exhausted before allowing your home to be repossessed and sold.

It is possible to stop repossession of your home. The methods outlines above may prove effective and should be carefully considered before giving up. Also, this article may not provide an exhaustive list of alternative solutions. Therefore, if you are facing the prospect of having your home repossessed you should conduct extensive research to try and uncover as many potential solutions as possible. The key to success is to act fast and do all you can to help salvage the situation.



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