Occupancy Verification Workflow for REO Properties
TLDR: Occupancy verification is the decision point that routes an REO asset. The listing broker confirms whether the property is vacant or occupied. Realty Force then fires the correct next tasks for that path — preservation and listing for vacant files, or relocation and eviction coordination for occupied files. The platform does not make the occupancy determination or initiate legal action.
Occupancy status determines which steps an REO file needs next. Realty Force treats confirmation as a structured workflow step recorded on the asset, rather than an email or spreadsheet note.
Who confirms occupancy
The listing broker or assigned field agent confirms whether the property is vacant or occupied. Realty Force records that confirmation on the asset; it does not determine occupancy on the team's behalf.
- The listing broker or assigned field agent confirms occupancy.
- Confirmation is recorded on the asset.
- Lender or asset-manager review is separate from the confirmation itself.
What happens on a vacant confirmation
A vacant confirmation routes the file toward preservation, pre-marketing, and listing. The next tasks depend on the client's configured defaults.
- Preservation and security tasks can be triggered, such as rekey, trash-out, or initial inspection, depending on the client's configured defaults.
- The asset moves toward pre-marketing and listing tasks.
- No relocation or eviction path is opened by the vacant confirmation.
What happens on an occupied confirmation
An occupied confirmation opens the configured coordination path for the property team and lender. Relocation agreements and eviction coordination remain distinct from the occupancy finding itself.
- Relocation or cash-for-keys tasks can be triggered.
- Eviction coordination tasks can be triggered if configured.
- Listing tasks stay gated until the occupancy path is resolved or the client's rules allow parallel work.
See the Cash-for-Keys & Relocation Workflow for Occupied REO Properties for agreement approvals, signatures, and possession evidence.
Why the split matters
Vacant and occupied files require different next actions, service-level deadlines, documents, and people. Recording the finding as a structured step keeps the audit trail tied to the actual occupancy confirmation rather than a free-text email.
What Realty Force does not do
- Does not decide whether a property is vacant or occupied.
- Does not initiate eviction proceedings or provide legal advice.
- Does not automatically pay relocation funds or execute possession without the configured human steps.
Occupancy confirmation is the fork that keeps the rest of the REO workflow aligned with the property's recorded status.
See Realty Force in action
The AI-powered REO asset management platform for lenders, servicers, and listing brokers.