The Beginner's Guide to Buying a Foreclosure

By Bambi Turner

Buying a foreclosure is a great way to get started with real estate investment. For many people, the idea of buying a foreclosure can seem overwhelming, however. Many people don't understand how the foreclosure process works, or even how to locate foreclosure properties. Even once you understand the basics, you have to remember to look at a foreclosure from an investor's point of view, not the way you would if you were purchasing the house to live in. Many foreclosure homes are sold at cut-rate prices because they need some type of work. While you may be paying well below market value when buying a foreclosure, don't forget to include money in your budget for repairs and improvements.

Foreclosed properties are sold as is so you must undertake inspections prior to buying in order to determine if there are any significant problems. A cheap home can quickly turn into an expensive one if you suddenly find that the floor is caving in or the roof is falling apart. As with buying any property, getting inspections done before putting in an offer or placing a bid at auction is highly recommended.

With millions of foreclosed homes on the market, it can be overwhelming to find foreclosure listings that match what you are looking for. One of the best places to start is with local real estate agents who specialize in foreclosure properties. They can show you a variety of foreclosure houses, which will give you a good basic overview of pricing and selection. If you'd prefer to search for foreclosure listings on your own, check out Foreclosure.com. This site contains listings of over two million foreclosed homes for sale all over the country. They constantly update price, photos, and listings to provide the latest information available on a wide variety of foreclosures real estate.

Once you've completed your research, you should have a good grasp on the value of foreclosed homes in your area. Before you get started with buying a foreclosure, however, you must learn a bit more about the real estate market. Investigate the average buying and selling prices of homes in your region. Explore the growth potential and desirability of various neighborhoods. This will help you decide how much you should spend on buying a foreclosure, including the cost of repairs and renovations.

By educating yourself on foreclosure procedures and your local market, you can ensure that buying a foreclosure will be a smart investment. Once you've successfully flipped one house, you'll find yourself addicted to investing in foreclosure homes, as well as the big rewards that it can bring. - 23305

About the Author:

Foreclosure houses may be the perfect choice for families who think they can't afford a home. Foreclosure listings also provide a great investment opportunity for those wanting to flip houses. Visit my Foreclosures Real Estate blog to learn the secrets to Buying a Foreclosure !!