Pre-foreclosure Versus Foreclosure - Pros of the ‘Pre

by Dale McPhee

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.

Many Realtors agree that buying a pre-foreclosed home is an excellent idea. Here are many advantages to buying a pre-foreclosed home from a homeowner rather than a foreclosed home at a government auction:

- Pre-foreclosed homes are sold for less than foreclosed homes. A homeowner will sell their pre-foreclosed home for low cost so they won?t have to face foreclosure.

- You will be given good opportunities to ask the home owner questions concerning the home.

- Typically less competition then at a foreclosure auction where there is multiple bidding for the same property. Foreclosures attracts more of the mass real estate market then pre-foreclosures does.

- More time to evaluate financial scenario then at an auction.

- Auctions can be either overwhelming or lead to egotistical or emotional decisions.

- Less risk of potential problems because you can get a good look at the house ahead of time, and in some cases have it professionally inspected.

- You will be allowed to make a low down payment on a pre-foreclosed house. At a government auction you would be required to pay the total amount in cash.

Always check to make sure that the pre-foreclosed home you?re interested in has no liens or judgements against it. You should also bring along someone to inspect the home for you so you?ll know of any problems it may have. The risks in purchasing a pre-foreclosed home are similar to purchasing a home the traditional way, only a lot less expensive! You can even resell the pre-foreclosed home for more money than you purchased it for.

About the Author: Read reviews on the top pre-foreclosure sites to see what they have to offer at government auctions review or go direct to pre-foreclosures