REO pre-listing

[Gena Gonzales]

how do I go about finding a reo agent that will allow me to view pre-foreclosure listing before it hits the Mls? I have the funds to close, all cash deals. Thanks in advance.

[Jon Holdman]

I think you're a bit confused. A property is only a REO after the sheriff sale. Its a "pre-foreclosure" prior to that point.

Almost all REOs get listed on the MLS. The banks have a handful of agents they use in many areas. If you mean how can you find an agent who will show you these listings before they're put on the MLS, then the answer is you can't. Once its sent to an agent it gets listed. Small banks might let you buy directly from them. The big guys won't. They know they get the most money by listing the properties.

Now, if you mean a REO agent you can work directly with, then look for REOs in your area and see who's listing them. Try calling those agents and see if they will work with you. @Will Barnard says he has good success doing this, but he buys a lot of property. Many of these listing agents have no desire to work with buyers.