How to Buy a HUD Home!

What is a HUD Home?

A HUD Home may be a single-family house, a townhome, condominium or other type of residence. The properties were deeded to HUD/FHA by mortgage companies who had foreclosed on FHA-insured mortgage loans. Now HUD must sell these homes—as quickly as possible at market value—in order to obtain the maximum financial return on its mortgage insurance funds.

Who Can Buy a HUD Home?

Anyone who has the required cash or can qualify for a loan (subject to certain restrictions) may buy a HUD Home. HUD Homes are initially offered to owner-occupant purchasers (people who are buying the home as their primary residence). Following the priority period for owner occupants, unsold properties are available to all buyers, including investors.

Should I Get a Home Inspection?

HUD does not warrant the condition of its properties and will not pay for the correction of defects or repairs. Since the new owner will be responsible for making needed repairs, HUD strongly urges every potential homebuyer to get an inspection from a licensed professional home inspector prior to submitting an offer to purchase.

If you are interested in acquiring a HUD Home that is in need of repair, you may be interested in applying for anFHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan. When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the dwelling; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage. Often the interim financing (the acquisition and construction loans) involves relatively high interest rates and short amortization periods. FHA's 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan is designed to address this situation. The borrower can get just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed (or adjustable) rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property.

What About Financing?

HUD does not provide direct financing to buyers of HUD Homes. Buyers must obtain financing through either their own cash reserves or a mortgage lender. If you have the necessary available cash or can qualify for a loan (subject to certain restrictions) you may buy a HUD Home. While HUD does not provide direct financing for the purchase of a HUD Home, it may be possible for you to qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage to finance the purchase.

Does FHA Offer Any Special Discount Sales Programs?

FHA REO properties located in designated Revitalization Areas are available at a reduced sales price to law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, nonprofits and local governments. Read more about these Good Neighbor Next Door Initiatives. You can also view maps of REO properties and special programs such as Revitalization Areas with HUD's Single Family Home Locator.

Where Can I Learn About Available HUD Properties?

Any single family property acquired by HUD FHA will display a sign identifying who is managing the property before it is listed for sale. During this time the property is appraised, title issues are resolved, if necessary, and a determination is made about the property's eligibility for HUD's discount sales programs. Property listings are posted on HUD Home Store. For more information, contact the Management and Marketing Contractor serving your area.

Additional Information About HUD Homes and Other FHA Programs

If you have more questions about the purchase of HUD home, please contact us.

Source: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development