Buying a Foreclosure - A Beginner's Guide

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.

There are many resources available to help you find foreclosure listings. The most common method is to visit real estate agents who specialize in foreclosure houses. By viewing a variety of these properties at once, you can get a good feel for pricing, selection, and the quality of foreclosure houses on the market. If you'd rather not deal with an agent, you can review foreclosure listings on Foreclosure.com. This website is one of the best resources available for those looking to find foreclosed homes for sale. The site includes pictures, prices, and the latest information on foreclosed homes across the country. They offer a seven day free trial so you can decide if this service will work for you.

Once you know the price range of the foreclosed properties in your desired area you can start looking at real estate statistics to see what the past and current market value is and therefore predict what the home may be once again worth in future. If you are planning to flip (sell) the house quickly after buying it for a profit, you will want to ensure that the local area has good capital growth potential and that there is room to improve the home at minimal cost.

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. - 23223

About the Author:

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