The ill effects of non-performing assets are not just felt by the lenders but the entire economy is negatively impacted by them. A bank’s ability to borrow is negatively effected by around 900% when a mortgage defaults. Lenders can be blocked from borrowing up to $900,000 on a defaulted loan of just $100,000, that is, until the property is divested. Additionally, as a property loses value, the lenders must adjust the numbers and eat the loss.
(A quick note from the editor: For related information, check out Bulk REO Investing.)
There aren’t many solutions for banks when it comes to easing the negative impact non-performing assets have on their accounts. The option of foreclosure is always the last resort. This process includes expensive steps for the lenders that start with high legal fees. The outcome is pervasisve property management while it continues as REO (Real Estate Owned) property. REO properties increase the chance for liability every minute they sit unoccupied, amplifying the risk that the asset will further nose dive. Lastly, there are business dealings, complete with incurred expenses that encompass transferring said properties.
Staffing is yet another issue lenders face. If foreclosure appears to be the only option left, banks often don’t have the manpower to oversee and divest REO’s, especially bulk REO’s. The last time anyone saw a lending crisis of this magnitude was almost 15 years ago, and not since then have the valuable number of REO experts been lost at such perplexing numbers. On top of this, the United States has few in-house experts at any of the larger lending institutions who can handle bulk REO’s which need someone to manage them, secure them and sell them with minimal loss.
Currently all of the servicing agencies, course lenders and bond managers have only one thing in mind: Sell every loan that is in distress for the largest discount allowed.
Once again, an excellent solution to this debacle appears to be effective Bulk REO Investing.