what is reo property
REO is an acronym for R eal E state O wned and is industry jargon for foreclosure property repossessed by banks or lenders. If a lender or bank is the highest bidder at a foreclosure auction â or if no third party bids at the auction â the property reverts back to the lender and becomes an REO. REOs are owned by banks. Lenders go to great lengths to sell REOs.