What You Should Know About Bidding On Foreclosures
Articles - Mortgage
In the last year and a half foreclosures in the United States have been commonplace. Banks and mortgage lenders have many properties they must sell to recoup their loans. At foreclosure auctions, houses often sell for a fraction of their market value. This sounds perfect for people who want to buy a home, but there are some catches. You probably will not be able to get a standard mortgage for a foreclosure sale.
by JohnDashwood


In the last year and a half foreclosures in the United States have been commonplace. Banks and mortgage lenders have many properties they must sell to recoup their loans. At foreclosure auctions, houses often sell for a fraction of their market value. This sounds perfect for people who want to buy a home, but there are some catches. You probably will not be able to get a standard mortgage for a foreclosure sale.

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.

In some cases, homeowners, angry about the loss of their home may damage the property before they move. Foreclosure auctions do not require codes inspections nor must the property be habitable for the sale. If you buy a home that isn't habitable, you will have to make the repairs before you'll be allowed to occupy the house. Many banks and mortgage companies will not finance auction properties. You may need a commercial or business loan.

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.

For those with good credit and enough cash for a down payment, the real estate auction can offer real values. While not for everyone, real estate foreclosure auctions can save new homeowners lots of money and they offer a certain amount of excitement and suspense as well. Remember not to exceed your highest pre determined bid, or you won't be able to pay for your house if you win.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.