So Roswell, You Want to Buy a HUD home…

No, this property is a not a HUD home but for the longest time HUD foreclosures did have the reputation of looking like this.  HUD properties have become very popular for not only first and second time home buyers, but also with investors. HUD foreclosures come varying conditions.  I’ve seen some that are basically move-in ready and others that were barely habitable.  The overall consensus is that buyer’s can get a really good deal on a HUD property.  I am consistently asked about HUD homes, what they are and how does a buyer get one.  Here are a few general questions to hopefully shed some light:
What exactly is a HUD home?
HUD stands for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD guarantees mortgages made using the FHA loan program. When a FHA borrower defaults, the home becomes a “HUD” home, which you can buy.
How do I get a list of HUD homes for sale?
Go to www.newbidselect.com.  This site is very user friendly and you can look up homes by city, county or zip code.  Best of all, this site is free and you don’t have to register to search from properties.  Keep in mind that HUD adds new properties to this list all the time, so you have to keep checking for new properties being added
Who can I buy a HUD home?
Anyone who has either been pre-approved for a mortgage or a cash purchaser. HUD homes are initially open to owner-occupant buyers only. If they do not sell during that initial period, then they are open to all purchasers, including investors. If you will be obtaining financing to purchase a HUD home, a copy of the lender’s pre-approval letter must accompany the offer package.
How do I bid on a HUD property?
You place an offer on a property through a HUD registered broker (fortunately, I am one).  The earnest money deposit must be held by the Broker in the form of certified funds in order to submit the bid.  Earnest money rarely exceeds $1,000.