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Desperate to purge their books of foreclosures, and tempted by the high price of agricultural land, some bankers and consultants predict an oncoming wave of community banks selling abandoned residential developments to buyers intent on converting the lots to farm land.
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May 9
The pace of sales of real estate-owned properties could hardly be called speedy, but the North Carolina Bankers Association is hoping to help banks hurry up.
The trade group has created a website where banks — and only banks — can market REO homes directly to consumers, bypassing traditional real estate agents.
The site,
Banks who choose to list their properties on the new database may be able to find new potential buyers, says Brandon Wright, a spokesman for the North Carolina Bankers Association.
Currently there is no national database of bank-owned homes, which can leads to confusion for potential home buyers, who may be “put out” by having to search thousands of REO property listings online, he says. Now, REOdeedwagon.com allows potential homebuyers to view REOs in any state.
“Our goal is to get the properties off the books of the banks and into the hands of consumers,” Wright says.
Banks sign up through the site and can upload detailed descriptions and photos of REOs with contact information listing the real estate agent or bank employee. They also can post anonymously.
REO homes typically get listed on individual bank websites and on local multiple listing services.
It may take time for the site to gain traction. Since going live in early April, fewer than 250 homes have been listed.
