A key component when purchasing a property at a Trustee Sale (or any sale for that matter) is to research the chain of title. You can typically purchase a ‘”limited title report” for $80.00 to $110.00.
The purpose of this title report is to ensure several things. One, we want to confirm that the foreclosing lender is in first position and secondly are there any property tax, mechanic or IRS liens attached to the property.
Trustee Sales require no emotional feelings. One way to look at it, is you’re buying the liens on the home, not the home itself. If there is a lien on the property you are not aware of, and have the winning bid, you will be responsible for all liens tied to the property.
IRS liens have redemption rights. Although they are not as common as the other liens mentioned, they do exist. The IRS can seize the property 120 days of notification of the Trustee Sale. It is important to note the word “notified” and not “after a winning bid”. The IRS could actually seize the property within a few days after a purchase has taken place at the Trustee Sale.
Another lien to consider is the mechanics lien. After verifying this type of lien, your next step will be finding the lien holder then try to negotiate a settlement. Contacting an attorney might be wise, otherwise consider passing on the home.
The less threatening and most common type of liens are property tax liens. These liens are almost always present on foreclosure properties. The property tax lien usually does not affect the buyer’s profit margin. They also do not have to be paid at the Trustee Sale.
Trustee Sales in Arizona can help investors and homeowners gets great prices on homes in the Phoenix area but you need to do a little homework regarding the value of the property and the liens being purchased and acquired by the successful bidder.
By doing your research correctly and timely can reap amazing benefits to the investor. Arizona currently has some of the best bargains in the country for the savvy investor