What To Know Before Bidding On A Foreclosed Home

By John Dashwood

The recent economic crisis has caused a record number of foreclosures. Houses are up for auction all over the United States. At foreclosure auctions, houses may sell at a fraction of their market value. Bidding at a foreclosure auction may not be the answer for everyone looking for a home. Many auctions require a large cash payment at the time of purchase. You generally can't get a mortgage prior to an auction because your bid might not win.

For people with excellent credit ratings and a reasonable amount of savings, auctions can be the perfect opportunity to snap up a house they otherwise couldn't afford. Lenders may or may not set a minimum bid depending on the amount owed on the loan and how motivated they are to divest themselves of the property. Some current foreclosures are actually worth less than the amount owed on the loan.

If you are willing to relocate, you may get an even better deal, but there are plenty of deals available almost everywhere in the country. Foreclosure sales are required to be announced in the local newspaper. Instead of going to an auction, you may be able to buy a government foreclosed house at a low price in regular real estate sale.

Keep in mind that many foreclosed properties may need work. The laws that apply in most real estate sales don't apply to foreclosure auctions. Houses that are sold at auction do not need to be habitable and do not have to meet codes. However, before you can move into the house you will have to bring it up to code. Finding a lender to finance a foreclosure sale may be difficult. Generally you can save money by buying a foreclosure, but you need more money to buy one.

Homeowners of soon-to-be foreclosed homes are frantic to sell the property 30 days before the property is foreclosed. With so little time to dispose the house, their only option is to sell their home at a loss but still walk away with enough to begin a new life somewhere, also a cheaper house. But dealing with these homeowners requires some skill on your part to get a good bargain.

Foreclosure auctions involve bidding. You must have ten percent cash or cash equivalent to pay if you win the auction and proof of financing. Most lenders will not offer traditional mortgages for auction sales. Most often you will have to obtain a commercial loan for real estate investment. Only people with good credit or a lot of cash will be able to use auctions to buy property. The down payment and the proof of financing must be presented with the winning bid, or your bid will be voided.

When a foreclosed house is put up for auction, the owners must be out of the house. The bank has the right to evict the owners and the local law enforcement will carry out the eviction. In houses or buildings where tenants have leases, it may be more difficult to remove tenants than owners. You'll need to know the rental laws in your jurisdiction. Some foreclosures can have extensive damage, so know what you are getting into.

If you have enough money to make a ten percent down payment on a home and you are able to arrange for financing on a foreclosure, the auction may save you thousands of dollars. Keep in mind the rules and don't exceed your bidding limits. Auctions can also be fun, but don't be disappointed if you are unable to make the highest bid. You'll have more opportunities. - 29970

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