Pre-foreclosure Versus Foreclosures - Pros of the 'Pre'

By Clifford Carr

Due to the recent real estate collapse, many people across the United States are losing their homes to foreclosure. The period of time before the official foreclosure is called pre-foreclosure. Depending on the state the pre-foreclosure period lasts from seven days to a 60 days. Real estate experts know that the pre-foreclosure period is a great time to purchase a home.

Many of the 'for sale by owner' signs that you see are from owners that are in pre-foreclosure. The bank usually allows the homeowner time in which to try and sell their home before it is foreclosed. This is common because the bank is not in the real estate business and would prefer the current owner sell the home to cut their losses rather then having to seize the home themselves.

Here are some of the reasons many real estate professionals prefer purchasing a pre-foreclosed properties rather then waiting until they reach foreclosure:

- Pre-foreclosed homes are often sold for less than foreclosed homes. To avoid credit problems a homeowner is motivated to sell their home before the bank takes possesion.

- Since you won't be at an auction, you will be given more time to talk to the home owner about any questions you may have concerning the house.

- There is usually less competition for a pre-foreclosed home than a auctioned foreclosed home. You won't have to worry about placing the highest bid.

- More time to evaluate financial scenario then at an auctioned property.

- Auctions can be a skill in itself and many people are not comfortable in that environment.

- You have time to have a pre-foreclosed home inspected resulting is less risk.

- All you'll need to buy a pre-foreclosed home is a down payment for as low as a few hundred dollars. At a government auction you would need more cash up front.

Make sure you bring along an inspector when you check out a pre-foreclosed home. You should also check to make sure there are no past judgement liens or unpaid taxes on the property. The risks in buying a pre-foreclosed home are not that much more then buying a home the traditional way through a real estate company. - 23222

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See descriptions on the top pre-foreclosure sites to see what they have to offer at government auctions review or go direct to pre-foreclosures