How to Find and Buy Foreclosures

When looking for information pertaining to foreclosures, you will find a lot of information for homeowners who are on the verge of losing their homes.  This is nice, but you may be on the other side of the fence.  Instead, you may be looking for information and tips on buying foreclosure properties.  If so, you have come to the right place.

Those unfamiliar with real estate and foreclosures often wonder how they can find foreclosures available for sale.  After a quick examination, many are pleased and surprised with their options.  One of the easiest ways to find foreclosure properties listed for sale is online.  Many foreclosure listing websites come with a free trial period.  Foreclosure properties can also be bought through an auction.  These auctions are usually advertised in local newspapers, but town and village offices should have the information posted as well.

As an added bonus, if you are new to buying real estate and foreclosures, you will want to examine homes that are referred to as REO (real estate owned).  You may still find affordable asking prices on these types of properties, but they aren’t always classified as foreclosures.  This is because the original lender, who now may be referred to as the investor, has regained control of the property.  This occurs when bids are low at a foreclosure auction.  The lender steps up and buys the property themselves.  You can find REO properties available for sale online or by visiting your local bank branches.

As it was previously stated, foreclosures can be purchased at an auction.  Many bargain hunters like this approach, but know that it may not be in your best interest.  Many states do not allow you to place a bid unless you can show proof of available funds upfront.  Since it is rare for a lender to grant you a mortgage loan on a house that both you and they have never seen, not everyone is the perfect candidate for foreclosure auctions. 

In keeping with foreclosure auctions, it is first important to determine what protection your state offers homeowners going through foreclosure.  Some states have redemption laws.  When these laws are in place, homeowners have a set time frame in which they can reclaim their home by getting their mortgage back in good standing.  What this essentially means is that you could win a foreclosure auction, but later walk away without the property.  This cannot occur with REOs, as the seller is already out of the picture.

If you are interested in buying a foreclosure, it is recommended that you do the proper amount of research first.  Although you may not be able to inspect the property in question, you may be able to drive by the property.  Foreclosure listing websites and local government offices will have the address listed.  Use your best judgment.  If the property doesn’t look cared for on the outside, chances are the inside is just the same.  Of course, you can remodel, but be sure to take those costs into consideration when placing your bid.

As a reminder, it is easy to find information on foreclosures both online and locally.  To make sure that you are well informed, consider consulting with a professional, such as lawyer who specializes in real estate law.  At the very least, purchase a guide on how to buy foreclosures from your local bookstore or online.