Repairing can be costly plus codes...GFCI protection, grounding, bonding, self closing gates, covers let alone big stuff like coping and gunite.

By paying off the bank loan, the seller can avoid the lengthy and costly foreclosure process and can quickly resell the property, potentially to a more financially stable buyer.Hope this helps, and I hope I understood your questions/concerns.Good luck with your class,KC 

Quote from @Bo Bond: Ron,It's been my experience that most insurance policies "do not" cover the cost to fix underground pipes when there's no resulting damage to the home/structure itself. 

You have to consider real estate as part of your portfolio, it will add an element of diversification to the stocks and bonds while at the same time has unique taxation situation that you could take advantage of.

They are extremely busy and want this asset class to perform similarly to an investment in stocks, bonds or mutual funds. 

Typically this is a lengthy process but mandatory.

Not a good play in any market.Then there is the easy cash argument of Bonds, Money markets, and CD's that are >5%.

Once Fed started reducing rate, unemployment goes up a bit , then the inverted bond yield is normalized, folloed by stock market crash after a credit or default event.

The house is stick-built in the 1970's and will be moved be a licensed, bonded and insured contractor with 40 years in the business.

One who sells or buys securities like stocks, bonds. etc.