Ultimate Guide: How To Buy Foreclosed Homes in 2024

Signboard reading 'Foreclosed Home for Sale' placed in front of a white house

Buying a foreclosed home with homes 2 move you can be a smart way to save money. These houses are often cheaper than regular homes because the bank is trying to sell them quickly. But, it’s important to know what you’re getting into, because foreclosed homes might need a lot of work. Are you wondering about, “What is the cheapest way to buy a foreclosed home”. This blog is for you!

What is a Foreclosed Home?

A foreclosed home is one that the bank has taken back because the owner couldn’t make their mortgage payments. Once the bank owns it, they try to sell it to get back the money they lost. Therefore, foreclosed homes are often cheaper than regular homes, so people looking for a deal sometimes buy them.

Understanding The Foreclosure Process

When someone can’t pay their mortgage, the bank can take their house. Here’s what happens:

  1. The homeowner starts missing payments.
  2. The bank sends a notice saying the homeowner needs to catch up on payments.
  3. If the homeowner still can’t pay, the bank sells the house to the highest bidder. This happens at a public auction.
  4. If no one buys the house at the auction, the bank keeps it. They will then try to sell it like a normal house.

What is the Cheapest Way to Buy a Foreclosed Home?

Want to save even more money on a foreclosed home? Try these tips:

  • You might be able to buy a house for way less money at a foreclosure auction. But, be prepared to pay cash right away and know what you’re doing.
  • Sometimes, homeowners will sell their house before the bank takes it away. You might be able to get a good deal this way.
  • Banks often want to sell foreclosed houses fast, so they might price them lower. Find a real estate agent who knows about these homes.

Ways to Find Foreclosed Homes

There are a few different places you can look to find foreclosed homes:

Talk to Your Bank

Banks often hold onto foreclosed properties themselves and try to sell them directly. Therefore, call your local bank and ask about any Real Estate Owned (REO) properties they might have available.

Work with a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents who specialize in foreclosures can be a valuable resource. Additionally, they have access to listings through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and might know about properties before they’re even publicly advertised.

Real Estate Investment Groups

Join local or online real estate investment groups. Similarly, these networks can provide leads on foreclosed properties and investment opportunities.

Financing Options for Buying Foreclosed Homes

  • Conventional Loans
  • FHA Loans
  • VA Loans
  • Home Equity Loans
  • Hard Money Loans
  • Owner Financing
  • Personal Savings

Do You Want to Buy a Foreclosed Home That You Can Afford?

Ready to start your journey to owning a foreclosed home? Realtor Tom Gilliam at Homes 2 Move You can help! Our experienced team specializes in finding the best foreclosure deals and guiding you through the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation.