Blog Stories Looking at a HomePath Home? 

Looking at a HomePath Home? 

By Sean Patrick O'Feery, July 11, 2018

Let’s talk about what you might expect from the process:
What is HomePath.com?
  • HomePath.com from Fannie Mae is a website and a process of selling foreclosed homes. The homes can be foreclosed upon by many different lenders but if the institution is insured by Fannie Mae that foreclosed home will likely be sold through the HomePath system.
What is a HomePath home?
  • It is a foreclosed home now owned by Fannie Mae and offered for sale by a local listing agent to the public for purchase.
Why would I consider a HomePath home?
  • They can be listed for less than market rate
  • If it is in the right location and suites your needs
How are HomePath homes priced?
  • HomePath homes are priced by a combination of factors- a local listing agent has the opportunity to provide suggestions and a local private appraiser can be used but Ultimately they are priced by Fannie Mae determines the sales price. I’m fairly certain that Fannie also takes into consideration the remaining balance of the loan when they price the home.
What can I expect from a HomePath sale?
Please understand this is my opinion based on a very recent sale and results may vary, but I’m happy to fill you in to this experience.
  • Lots of paper work: You’ll fill out a standard Residential Sales Agreement used for all sales and also the forms for the HomePath sale.
  • Signing: Signing was tough for my clients because, in our case, HomePath does not accept any electronic signatures so they’ve all got to be in person (wet signatures) with the right pen in the right location on the document. To minimize errors, we all went to listing agent office and signed paperwork.
  • Documentation for addendums or changes to the original contract (Sales Agreement): HomePath does not recognize Oregon State RE addendums, they have their own. If there are any changes to the contract, you’ll be asked to use their form and again provide in person signatures
  • Timeframe: Fortunately, we had a great lender in Gary Boyer from Directors Mortgage.  The rate lock was not an issue, but for my clients this was a challenging component. The sale eventually took only about two weeks longer than the 35 day contract we wrote to start with, so in total, it was about a 50 day closing.
  • Communication: Usually you’ve got an individual seller and a buyer both very interested in the process and communication can be prompt. In the case of our HomePath sale, the listing agent was very responsive but had to wait to hear from the HomePath representative before doing almost anything. It was the waiting to hear back on simple items that I feel caused my buyers the most frustration. I kept in close contact with my buyers but made more than a few phone calls to let them know ‘there have been no updates’.
  • Repairs: Usually there is an inspection and then negotiations for repairs. In the case of HomePath homes there will only be repairs if for some reason the home can not be sold as is or if it is lender required and contingent to the sale. Even when we had two quite simple items called out by the appraiser it was like pulling teeth to get it done. We got it done, but with little help from the ‘seller’.
All in all, it was not as bad as I have heard from other agents and there is certainly some opportunity there at the price point.
Key notes:
Be patient and find an buyers agent who is willing to work closing with you through this process. I of course would be thrilled to be of service!
If you would like genuine, focused and sincere representation in the sale or purchase of your home please call or email, providing excellent service has been a long-standing source of pride.

Sean O'Feery

Broker | Earth Advantage | ADU Specialist | OR

Hello my name is Sean Patrick O'Feery,   I am thrilled to give you the attention to detail and service that you deserve from a skilled, motivated and intuitive Real Estate agent.  I love this work and will make your purchase or sale to be as smooth, rewarding and exciting and it should be.
  • My business has been built on referrals; over 95% of my clients come to me from other happy clients, friends, family or trusted lenders.
  • Integrity is the most important component of my business.  My reputation is a reflection of the integrity I bring to my work and I work hard to earn it.  You can count on me to give you my honest and informed opinion that will serve you first.  My fiduciary responsibly is to you; my client and I hold this ideal to the highest standard.
  • Communication is essential!  I will provide you complete and timely information so you can make good decisions.  I will keep you informed to the next step and beyond at every point of the process from the introduction meeting to the closing and beyond.
  • Negotiation skills in this business are a must; I will be a fierce advocate for you throughout the process.
  • A broad knowledge of homes and their conditions. Whether it is a 1909 Craftsman or a LEAD Certified new construction it is important to have experience of what and where to look for quality or concerns. We have our own experience in remodeling homes and maintain good relationships with inspectors and contractors.
  • I am always seeking to refine my practice, learning new tools or to solidify my knowledge of our market, neighborhoods and the inventory.  You can count on me to be informed, skilled and up to date with the latest search and marketing tools.
  • I want to maintain our relationship to continue and to be a valuable resource for you.  I love to be of service.
As your buying agent: I am dedicated to having you feel cared for before, during and after the purchase.  I meet clients where they are at and find out how I can provide the best service. Every purchase is individually tailored to each buyer. My priority is to find the home you love in the best condition for the best value. As your selling agent: I am dedicated to having you feel cared for before, during and after the sale. I will work closely with you to identify your priorities. A complete marketing plan supported by the brokerage best known in Portland for marketing tools, skills and style that will serve you well. My consistent focus on every sale is to get you the best return from the most qualified buyers for the sale of your home. My neighborhoods: I live on the East Side and know the areas from Gresham to the inner East Side like a well worn glove. I love to work, shop and spend time on the West Side. I know the nuances of the West Side communities from downtown to Hillsboro. Oregon City is a great community and Tigard is no stranger. For me, it’s about finding what is best for you in the greater Portland area. I am happy to introduce you to the unique communities that make this area so great! If you want to know a little more about me- I love, live and breathe Real Estate. & I built a home with my dad. I know what a quality build looks like and some things to watch out for. The inspection period in sale or purchase of a home is an opportunity for me to shine. I have recently remodeled two homes with my wife and we own a couple of great rentals. Maintaining great relationships with vetted contractors is a must in my life and work.   I spend winters watching the snow reports of Baker, Steven’s, Crystal, Brundage, Meadows and Mt. Bachelor. Photo is circa 1993 coming down from Camp Muir on Mt Rainier… in Oakley Blades.   This is my wife. This is my child. My pets. My family. If you would like genuine, focused and sincere representation in the sale or purchase of your home please call or email, providing excellent service has been a long-standing source of pride. Sincerely, Sean O’Feery (206) 795-0703 sean@livingroomre.com
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  • T: 206-795-0703
  • F: 503-961-8224
  • sean@livingroomre.com

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