How To Buy Foreclosed Homes

The talk of the times is the struggling economy. But if you are interested in how to buy foreclosed homes right now, you're in luck when it comes to getting deals.

Most foreclosed homes are priced lower than the market value--and some banks are commonly selling foreclosed homes for up to 20% below market value just to cut their losses. As the number of foreclosures hit an all-time high this year, there isn't a lack of properties to choose from. However, if you're new to the foreclosure industry, you need to understand that the process of purchasing a very under-priced home may not be all that it's cracked up to be.

If possible, get pre-approved for a loan before you start home-shopping. Especially in these times, it may seem like getting approved means jumping through hoops. Regardless of how good your credit is, some lenders won't give loans on problematic properties or homes that need extensive repair.

The worldwide web makes it easier than ever to find homes in foreclosure or the pre-foreclosure stage. There are many websites that offer statistics and relevant information when you subscribe to their sites. And most of them offer a free trial so you can make sure they have the information you're looking for.

You can find the biggest deals in areas that house many troubled properties. But you need to do your research. Make sure that the property is in a decent neighborhood and school zone.

Keep in mind that bidding on a home at a court auction is one of the riskier ways of how to buy foreclosed homes. In this case, you bid on properties that haven't had an inspection and you have no idea what the repairs will cost. It's possible that you will also owe unpaid taxes if you take on one of these homes. And a bid in a court auction must often be paid in cash.

What is generally considered the safest way to buy a foreclosed home is to wait until the bank has put it back onto the real estate market. Before doing so however, the bank pays off all existing debts and taxes and may even make the necessary repairs. These properties are then called bank-owned or real estate-owned (REO) properties.

If you do all of the proper research and pick a foreclosed home that's overpriced, check to see if the bank will allow a short sale. This means that the bank will take less for the home than what is owed in the mortgage. No matter what, you will always want to get your future home inspected. And inspections are crucial when it comes to a foreclosure property.

Hopefully these tips on how to buy foreclosed homes will help you with your new investment. Although times are tough, investment opportunities are plentiful.