HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is the federal agency that takes responsibility for FHA backed loans that go wrong...  A HUD home is a 1-4 unit residential property acquired by HUD when a loan backed by FHA, goes into foreclosure.

Here are some specifics about the process of buying a HUD home:

• HUD becomes the property owner and offers the home for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.


• HUD homes are appraised and then priced at fair market value for their area.  The homes are sold “as is”, but the price has generally been adjusted down to reflect repairs that the homeowner will have to make.


• HUD homes are sold using a bidding process.  There is an offer period, during which, sealed bids are accepted from your agent. Once the offer period closes, all bids are opened, and HUD will generally accept the highest bid, or the bid that brings them the highest net.


• If your bid is accepted, your agent will be notified within a couple of days.  You will be given a settlement date - usually 30-60 days from the date of the accepted contract.


• If no one makes an offer for a HUD home within a certain amount of time, HUD will lower the price.  The price will continue to drop until an offer is made and accepted.

So, what is the best way to safely purchase a HUD home?

• Find the right real estate agent.  Only agents who are registered with HUD may represent home buyers and investors in the purchase of a HUD home.  The best way to track down the right agent is to go through the website that lists HUD homes in your area, and determine which agent has the most winning bids.


• Be sure to inspect the property before making an offer.  The listing agent has access to the property and can show it to you.


• Make an offer based on the process above


• Get your financing in order so you can close in a timely fashion.  It could be as soon as 30 days from acceptance date.  It would really be in your best interest to secure financing before you make an offer.