I’m mentioning this because this doom and gloom scenario creates opportunity. When I was browsing through the Sale By Owner (FSBO) and foreclosures real estate postings on the top government auction site a couple of days ago, I couldn’t believe the astounding number of surprising low priced houses in nice rural areas that were listed. Many of these homes looked like something out of Home and Garden magazine. When browsing through this listing from lowest to highest price, after you get through some of the run down prefab houses and trailer parks, you’ll be impressed at how houses and properties improve drastically while their prices stay criminally low. By the way no offense if you rent or own a prefab house or live in a trailer park, actually if you choose to you could probably purchase or rent an upgrade without paying more then you currently are. In Government Auctions dot org you’ll find great real estate opportunities for less then buying a car, and we all know which will make the better investment. To see sample listings of what I’m talking about click NorthWest US Properties NorthEast US Properties, Central US Properties, SouthWest US Properties, or SouthEast US Properties according to what part of the US may be of interest.

You may be thinking to yourself ‘great but I don’t have money and getting a mortgage with the current credit crisis, I’ve heard, is impossible?’ If you want to borrow money to buy a boat or add an extension to your house then credit may be hard to come by, however, when you are offering to purchase a foreclosure property that a bank desperately wants to get off their books, well that’s different story. This ‘Mark to Market’ accounting you may of heard of could be a contributing factor to the credit crisis, but if you want to buy a foreclosed house Mark to Market accounting is your best friend. That’s because a house in pre-foreclosure or foreclosure is entered into their books at a very low intrinsic value, so any price the bank can get for it will free them of this understated asset, and turns a defaulted mortgage into another new loan. Bottom line is that with foreclosure properties being so discounted combined with banks needing home buyers more then ever, there has never been a better opportunity to invest in a good quality home at a great location.

As I said above to see sample listings of what I’m talking about click NorthWest US Properties NorthEast US Properties, Central US Properties, SouthWest US Properties, or SouthEast US Properties according to what part of the US may be of interest, or to go directly to the full listings click GovernmentAuctions.org.

I’m know you’re in tune to the worries of recession and the real estate crisis going on in the US. This has caused a flooding of foreclosures that is surpassing previous highs. Although you still see older foreclosed homes in run down areas, what’s different during this crisis is the quality of forclosed homes and neighborhoods they reside have drastically improved. Even some of the nice estates in wealthy neighborhoods can be found at government auctions for prices much lower than market value.

If you are considering buying a foreclosed home from a government auction then you couldn’t be lookin at a better time then now. Before you do though you should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of buying foreclosures over using a realtor for a non-foreclosure property.

Here are some advantages to purchasing a foreclosed or pre-foreclosed home:

- Price is the number one reason to purchase a foreclosure.

- Many of the homes are in great condition for what you pay.

- Many more different types of homes to choose from then in the past.

- No Realtors to have to go through or agency fees to pay (although you should still get advice from someone who knows something about real estate).

- Insurance is optional. Results in additional monthly savings.

- Great investment opportunity (i.e. rent out or flip that house)

- Not as risky as stock investing, plus you will own something of physical worth.

Disadvantages:

- Borrowing money may be more difficult, unless you have strong credit.

- You need to be aware of any existing liens, judgements, or unpaid taxes still on the property.

The most important thing is to make sure that the home you’re interested in is clear of all liens. You should also find out in advance what payment options the government auction will allow, and if required have your bank loan in place ahead of time. Make sure you have some decent cash saved up just in case, just as you would for purchasing a house through an agency.

Government auctions happen everying held every week throughout North America. You can locate detailed information regarding auctions on the web. Some sites will even show you previews of the houses that will be available at the upcoming auctions. Buying an estate through a government auction could be very fulfilling, but as I already mentioned do your homework. You may want to watch the bidding only at first visit to a government auction. You should be acquainted with how government auctions work before finally deciding to buy your own home.

Many people are either losing their homes to foreclosure or walking away because it doesn’t make sense for them to keep making expensive mortgage payments, when the house is worth less then the remaining mortgage. Currently 50% of home sales across the US are foreclosed homes. Although the real estate crisis is worrisome for homeowners, it is providing opportunities for families and investors.

If you look at any successful real estate investor, they have accumulated much of their wealth by buying when there was a downturn in the market. Donald Trump is a good example of someone who was buying up real estate real when everyone else was selling as illustrated in the quote. “When I first started out in Manhattan, everyone was saying what a terrible market it was, and if I’d listened to them, I would not be where I am today. There are always opportunities.” Donald Trump.

Many of the most successful real estate investors currently see this as an opportune time to buy real estate (Mr. Trump is in this list) and see pre-foreclosures as the greatest means in which to negotiate the best deals.

The great thing about buying a pre-foreclosed home is that you are dealing one-on-one with the owner and have a chance to ask questions and inspect the house. Since the bank has time to evaluate the property there is a higher probability of being granted a mortgage.

It is important to understand the surrounding community or macro aspects when purchasing a pre-foreclosed home. Here are some macro aspects to consider:

- Look around the neighborhood to see how many homes are being foreclosed. It’s best that the house you’re considering for purchase is the only one facing foreclosure. Obviously the more homes in forced sale, the more likely the properties will depreciate.

- Check with the local tenants to see what the rent levels are and whether they have been increasing or decreasing over the last little while.

- How strong is the economy at the town and county levels? Is the current employment rate growing or stagnating?

- Check with the local government to see of any upcoming infrastructure projects that will be taking place within 2-3 years. Projects such as new shopping malls, highways, train/subways lines, building permits for new businesses being established, new parks near the property, etc.

- Consider the age of the majority of the population within the community. If the majority of the local population is seniors that own homes, that could translate into an excess of future housing as they move into elderly care facilities.

If you do your due diligence and find positive answers to these questions when considering a pre-foreclosure then you can feel secure that it is a good community in which to invest. Successful real estate investors buy discounted properties at the right location at the right time.

Most people in the US are aware of the current real estate crisis and the unsettling fact that many people are losing their homes to foreclosure. Before a home is in the process of becoming foreclosed, it is in the pre-foreclosure stage. The pre-foreclosure period can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and is considered by many real estate investors as the absolute best time in which to negotiate the purchase of 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 many advantages to buying a pre-foreclosed home from a homeowner rather than bidding on a foreclosed home at an auction:

- 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.

- Because the masses are more aware of where and when the government auctions are happening there are not as many investors competing for a pre-foreclosure property.

- More time to consider your finances before making the decision to purchase a home.

- 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 have it professionally inspected.

- You will be allowed to make a low down payment on a pre-foreclosed house. This is not the case at a foreclosure auction.

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. The risks in purchasing a pre-foreclosed home are similar to purchasing a home the traditional way, only a lot less expensive.

I’m know you’re in tune to the worries of recession and the real estate crisis going on in the US. This has caused a flooding of foreclosures that is surpassing previous highs. Although you still see older foreclosed homes in run down areas, what’s different during this crisis is the quality of forclosed homes and neighborhoods they reside have drastically improved. Even some of the nice estates in wealthy neighborhoods can be found at government auctions for prices much lower than market value.

There are some great values out there but in order to take advantage of them you should first be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of buying a foreclosed home at a government auction versus the conventional method using a realtor.

Here are some advantages to purchasing a foreclosed or pre-foreclosed home:

- The main advantage in purchasing a foreclosed home is the below market price.

- Many of the homes are in great condition for what you pay.

- The selection range of home available to choose from is extensive.

- No middle man (Realtor) to have to go through or additional fees to pay (although you should consult with someone along who can inspect the home(s) for you).

- Some insurances are optional. It could save you hundreds a month.

- Great investment opportunity (i.e. rent out or flip that house)

- Less risky then the stock market, as you own something tangible

Disadvantages:

- Mortgages may be harder to get (unless you have great credit with your bank).

- You need to be aware of any existing liens, judgements, or unpaid taxes still on the property.

The main caution is to properly check that the property is free and clear of any debt ahead of time. Also know in advance when the government auction expects payment for the house and have the loan details worked out with your bank. As with purchasing any house if you have enough cash handy (who does) that makes your profit potential much greater.

Government auctions are being held all around the US and Canada. You can find information about upcoming auctions and pre-foreclosures (homes you can buy before the auction) on the internet along with detailed listings on the homes that will be for sale. Purchasing a home through a government auction can be a very rewarding adventure but doing your research ahead of time will allow you to be prepared. In fact I would recommend attending a few auctions before you are ready to purchase so that you become familiar with that environment.

How would you like to receive great deals on a new vehicle, house, jewellery, furniture, or electronics? You can find good deals on all of them if you participate in government auctions! Due to foreclosures, repossessions, and surpluses, the government will often offer bidding on these items at government auctions.

Imagine how nice it would be to purchase a decent car for as low as $100! Due to the current housing crisis in the United States, more homes than ever are being sold for very low prices at government auctions. Just think for a moment; your dream home could be being sold at a government auction right this minute for as low as 90% off its original price! If you’re a small business owner, you can find many office supplies at government auctions as well. You can even earn money yourself by purchasing these items at amazingly low prices and selling them for more!

These government auctions are held all over the country, yet many people don’t even know about them. Even though the events aren’t always advertised, the general public is sometimes invited. Car dealers and small business owners will often attend them for good deals. If you are interested in participating in a government auction, you may find information about them in your local newspaper or by calling around all the meeting places in your town.

Or, if you prefer not to leave your seat, you can find government auction items on the Internet! The government will oftentimes put government auction items on the Internet and will allow the general public to place their bids electronically. There are many, many government auction sites on the web that claim to offer repossessed and surplus items for very low costs. A google search for “government auctions” will bring nearly 2,500,000 hits!

Unfortunately though, many are scams. Many government auction sites will take your money for a “membership fee” and will provide you with nothing more than expired and outdated auctions. Some legitimate sites may charge a membership fee as well, but they will keep their word and deliver real auctions for you to bid on.

So how do you sort out the legitimate online government auctions from the bad? Thankfully there are sites that provide legitimate government auction reviews. These government auction review sites offer unbiased and professional reviews of government auctions. The professionals who do government auction reviews know the ins and outs of government auctions and are up to date.

Web sites with government auction reviews obtain information about legitimate government auction items, dates, times, and locations. The government auctions are evaluated by certain criteria:

- the quantity of listings and how up to date they are

- the range of sources used

- ability to find required item

- how applicable is the data

- value of membership

The professionals running the government auction review sites have put a lot of time and effort in to their research. You will get a head start over other government auction bidders by visiting a government auction review site to find out the best places to bid. You won’t have to worry about being scammed and let down by the fraudulent sites thanks to the hard work others have put into their research. It will make government auction bidding a lot easier on you by visiting and reading the information provided on government auction review sites!

Pre-foreclosures properties are homes that are about to go into foreclosure. Some of the best real estate deals are made this way, before they hit the mainstream foreclosure market. Negotiations are usually with the owner directly, who would like to work out a deal before the bank forces them to leave the property.

Pre-foreclosures properties are increasing in numbers every day. Real estate agents understand that investing in pre-foreclosure homes is definitely one of best ways to secure a profit. The timing couldn’t be better then now to get involved in the real estate game because of the sub-prime crisis and other external difficulties facing home owners today.Rather than going to an auction, buying a pre-foreclosure home may be a better option. At an auction, you usually require the necessary cash on hand in order to participate. Without the down payment, you cannot bid. Buying pre-foreclosure homes, however, doesn’t necessarily require any deposit. This is ideal for anyone with limited liquidity, while still enabling them to purchase the home.

In the pre-foreclosure sale, you will personally meet and work directly with the home owner. Although the owner may be distressed about loosing their house, by the time you arrive they may see you as a saviour that can help salvage something before foreclosure.

As compared to an auction not only can you see the condition of the outside property ahead of time you can also see the inside of the house to determine what kind of shape it is in. In many cases, because the owner has nothing to loose, you will be able to have a conversation with them about any problems you won’t otherwise know about. Depending on timing and willingness of the owner you may be able get a house inspector to look around as well.

This allows you to determine how much effort, if any, will be required to repair the house and at what cost. This will eliminate much of the risk and will help you make a better decision about if the property would be a good investment or not.

So now you can see that buying at the pre-foreclosure stage has some nice advantages over buying at auctions or from a realtor. It really comes down having the right information to make the right choice, at the right price.

I’m sure everyone knows by now about the real estate crisis going on all across the United States. Bank foreclosures and pre-foreclosures are at record highs and both the home owners and banks are in trouble because of it. It’s a material tragedy that many people, most with good intentions, could lose their houses. Some homeowners face bank foreclosure just after missing one or two payments. It’s the reverse side of the American Dream.

If homeowners facing foreclosure can act quickly enough, they can go ahead and sell their home for low prices before the banks officially forecloses them. This is called “pre-foreclosure”. Pre-foreclosure is a grace period that is given to many homeowners who are close to foreclosure. During the pre-foreclosure period, the home still belongs to the borrowers and they have a right to sell it to interested buyers. The pre-foreclosure grace period can last anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months, varying from state to state.

The homeowners have a chance to earn a little money as well when facing pre-foreclosure. Pre-foreclosure is a grace period after the time they made their last payment and before they’re officially facing foreclosure. The public is notified ahead of time that a home is facing foreclosure, which gives interested buyers time to make a deal with the homeowners before the bank officially takes the home back. Pre-foreclosures give homeowners enough time to sell the home at a very low price as well. They money they receive can help them in affording another place to live.

Bank foreclosures and pre-foreclosures also provide an excellent opportunity to earn a lot of money. Many Americans are learning that investing in bank foreclosure and pre-foreclosure homes can return an excellent profit. For instance, you can buy foreclosure and pre-foreclosure homes for as low as 10% of their market value, and then resell them for nine times that! Imagine all the money you can profit from buying bank foreclosures and pre-foreclosure homes! Even if you’ve never had an interest in real estate before, now is an excellent time to become involved in it!

There are many foreclosure and pre-foreclosure listing sites which will allow you electronic bids. Unfortunately though, many of them are only scams. Some so called “foreclosure” and “pre-foreclosure” listing sites will charge you a membership fee, but then neglect to give you access to promised listings! Many of these sites have no current listings at all and never update. They sure don’t mind taking your money though.

Of course there really are legitimate, truthful foreclosure and pre-foreclosure listings found on the internet for every city in America. Many government auction sites offer real bidding opportunities for foreclosure homes. So how will you know exactly which membership sites are trustworthy and which ones are not? Thankfully there are government auction review sites that have all the information you’ll ever need. The professionals behind the government auction reviews go digging into government auction sites and test their legitimacy. They have inside information on several government auction sites and listings.

Many of these membership sites offer real, top deals on real estate, bank foreclosures, and contact information for the pre-foreclosure homes. Government auction review sites will let you know which ones are the best. Make sure you read government auction reviews before you begin bidding on foreclosure homes. You will receive the best advice and information about the real foreclosure and pre-foreclosure listings!