Top Real Estate Articles

Government Auctions - Capitalizing on Capitalism

May 18, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

Government surpluses and abandoned properties are sold at government auctions to the general population at discounted prices. There are government auctions held in every state many times a month. No matter where you live in US or Canada, you’ll be able to find great deals at these auctions. Consider the investment possibilities or even starting your own business.

The government surplus items sold at government auctions are items not required by the federal, state, and local government. These items can come from the government purchasing more than they needed, or technological equipment that has been updated.

Items found at government auctions can also come from businesses that have gone bankrupt. Many of these items found at government auctions can include furniture, computers, electronics, furniture, and miscellaneous equipment. Most people don’t think of these types of items at a government auction, however, it’s where you can get these types of used items the cheapest.

Seized properties can consist of foreclosures, bankruptcies, criminal properties, etc. These properties can also be purchased at government auctions. Depending on the circumstances the police may seize property if the owner is sentenced to jail.

Property can be declared abandoned for many reasons: death of the owner with no heir, the owner leaving as they can’t afford it, zoning laws, etc. The government always tries to find the property owner before officially declaring the property abandoned.

You can find out where government auctions are going to be held in your area, as well as the listings that will be available, through the Internet. There are many government auction websites (some are great and some are scams) that charge a membership fee to provide listings and information regarding abandoned/seized properties, and surplus items.

To determine which sites are legitimate it is highly recommended that you visit a government auction review site beforehand. This will educate you on which sites provide the most opportunities that government auctions can provide.

Tags: abandoned property, bank mortgages, entrepreneurial, Foreclosures, Government Auctions, government surplus, INVESTING, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, seized homes, seized property

Government Acquired Properties & Surpluses = Great Deals

May 12, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

Government surpluses and abandoned properties are sold at government auctions to the general population at discounted prices. There are government auctions held in every state many times a month. No matter where you live in US or Canada, you’ll be able to find great deals at these auctions. Consider the investment possibilities or even starting your own business.

Surplus inventory sold at government auctions come from the federal, state, and local governments. Often the government has a large surplus of unneeded items, and will liquidate them to the public at one of their many auctions. This can happen often as the government’s equipment requirements are constantly changing.

Items sold at government auctions can also include items from a bankrupt businesses. Items examples could include furniture, jewellery, electronics, miscellaneous equipment, and more. Government auctions may not be the first place that comes to mind when buying these items, however, it is definately where you can get that best value on both used and new items.

Seized properties can consist of foreclosures, bankruptcies, criminal properties, etc. These properties can also be purchased at government auctions. Depending on the circumstances the police may seize property if the owner is sentenced to jail.

A property is considered abandoned if the owner dies and has no known relatives alive to inherit, or if the owner walks away from it for whatever reason. This can happen if the owner feels the house is worth less then he currently owes. This has been happening quit often lately in a declining housing market.

You can find out where government auctions are going to be held in your area, as well as the listings that will be available, through the Internet. There are many government auction websites (some are great and some are scams) that charge a membership fee to provide listings and information regarding abandoned/seized properties, and surplus items.

Read government auction reviews on the web to find out where the best membership deals are. This will help prevent you from falling into the many scams that are on the web.

Tags: abandoned property, bank mortgages, entrepreneurial, Foreclosures, Government Auctions, government surplus, INVESTING, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, seized homes, seized property

Real Estate Crisis - How You can Profit from Amerca’s Latest Crisis

May 11, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

The United States real estate market is suffering great losses due to bank foreclosures. Both bank foreclosures and pre-foreclosures are at all time highs and the homeowners and lenders are in serious trouble. Many honest American homeowners are suffering financial crisis and could lose their homes. Some homeowners face bank foreclosure after getting behind on just a few payments. The banks are not going easy on these struggling homeowners, but of course they are suffering as well. The extremely high interest rates and late fees only seem to be making things worse on both sides.

However, with every person that suffers a material loss, someone else will gain from it. These foreclosed homes will be put up for sell or for bid for very, very low prices. The lenders sell the foreclosed homes for factions of the real estate market price in order to get rid of it quickly and to regain at least some of the money back. This makes it easier and more affordable for many people who would like to buy a home. Young, first time home buyers for instance, can easily afford a home because of the bank foreclosures.

Due to the real estate market crisis, many low income Americans now have the opportunity to purchase good homes at low prices. Bank foreclosure homes are put up for sell for as low as 10% of the market value. They wish to regain some of their money back and to get rid of all of the foreclosure homes as quickly as possible. This makes it easier for lower income families to afford a good home for literally cents on the dollar. Lower income families and new home buyers can now afford a home that would normally be out of their financial range.

Investing in foreclosure and pre-foreclosure homes and reselling them for much more is now an excellent way to earn a lot of money. For instance, you can buy foreclosure and pre-foreclosure homes for 10% of their worth, and then resell them for 70% of their market value. Even if you’ve never had an interest in real estate before, the opportunities are abundant. But where will you find these opportunities?

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.

Fortunately there are plenty of legitimate foreclosure and pre-foreclosure listings found on the internet from every state. Many government auction sites are geared toward the real estate market crisis. So how will you know which membership sites are for real and which ones are scams? Fortunately there are government auction review sites that have all the information you’ll need. Experts behind the government auction reviews go digging into government auction sites and test their legitimacy. They have the inside scoop on dozens of government auction sites and listings.

Many of these membership sites offer real, top deals on real estate, bank foreclosures, and pre-foreclosures. Make sure you read the government auction reviews before you venture into foreclosure and pre-foreclosure listings. You will be ahead of the foreclosure buying game and will be provided with the best real estate advice!

Tags: bank foreclosures, bank mortgages, Foreclosures, government auction reviews, Government Auctions, INVESTING, mortages, pre-foreclosures, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, repossessed property, seized property

Pre-foreclosure vs Foreclosure - Which is a Better Investment?

May 10, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

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 houses that are ‘for sale by owner’ are houses that are in a period of pre-foreclosure. The lenders sometimes allow the homeowners to try to sell their home before foreclosing it. The banks are not in the real estate business themselves and would rather the owners sell the home instead of (the lenders) having to foreclose it.

Here are several reasons that real estate experts feel it?s a better idea to purchase a home during a pre-closure period instead of waiting to buy a foreclosed home at a government auction:

- A pre-foreclosed home could actually be cheaper then foreclosure because you are dealing one-on-one with an owner who desperately wants to avoid 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.

- You won?t have to worry about becoming frustrated from losing a bid.

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

- You have more time to have a pre-foreclosed home inspected than you would at an auction. You will be aware of any potential problems the house may have.

- 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.

As with any house purchase make sure you check for any judgements, or liens against the estate. Bring along someone how is familiar with buying real estate and if possible have the house professional inspected. The risks are comparable to a traditional type of home purchase but with the advantages of foreclosure discounted pricing.

Tags: bank foreclosures, bank mortgages, bank pre-foreclosues, business opportunity, Foreclosure, Foreclosures, Government Auctions, INVESTING, Pre Foreclosure, pre-foreclosures, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, real estate short sales, seized property

Government Auction Review Sites - Can They Help?

May 9, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

How would you like to buy a car, truck, or SUV for only 10% of its original worth? How about a house? Or perhaps jewellery? Does it sound too good to be true? Well, this time, it is true! Government auctions provide excellent deals and savings on vehicles, electronics, homes, jewellery, and other expensive items that are obtained through foreclosures, repossessions, and seizures.

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 every day across the country, yet many people aren’t even aware of them. Car dealers and small business owners obviously visit them often. The general public is often invited as well, although the government doesn’t spend all that much money and time advertising them. You can try finding out where they’ll be held in your local newspaper or by calling local town halls and offices. You can also do research on the Internet.

Or if you prefer, you can find government auctions right now on the Internet! You can start bidding on your dream car or home today! A Google search for “government auctions” brings nearly 2 and a half million hits. These government auction sites will allow you to bid on many of the items electronically.

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.

These government auction review experts have tested over a dozen government auction membership sites. They assess using certain criteria including:

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

- the range of sources used

- how easy it is to find listing

- how relevent is the information

- value return for money

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!

Tags: Foreclosures, government auction reviews, Government Auctions, INVESTING, Police Auctions, pre-foreclosures, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, seized cars, seized goods, seized items, seized property, seized vehicles, vehicles

Pre-foreclosure Versus Foreclosures - Pros of the ‘Pre’

May 9, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

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 houses that are ‘for sale by owner’ are houses that are in a period of pre-foreclosure. The lenders sometimes allow the homeowners to try to sell their home before foreclosing it. The banks are not in the real estate business themselves and would rather the owners sell the home instead of (the lenders) having to foreclose it.

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

- A pre-foreclosed home could actually be cheaper because you are dealing one-on-one with an owner who desperately wants to avoid foreclosure.

- 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.

- The situation allows for more time to evaluate your finances.

- 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 don’t need as much cash up front like you would at an auction. You can pay a down payment for as low as a few hundred dollars!

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.

Tags: bank foreclosures, bank mortgages, bank pre-foreclosues, business opportunity, Foreclosures, Government Auctions, INVESTING, Investments, Pre Foreclosure, pre-foreclosures, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, real estate short sales, seized property

Foreclosures - Pros & Cons Over Using a Realtor

Apr 29, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

Everyone is aware of the current real estate crisis and increased foreclosures going on in the States. But what many people may not be aware of, is that there are some great values available if you are looking to purchase a house or property. Whats different now then in the past, is that not only are numbes of foreclosed at all times highs but the quality is much higher as well.

The timing for researching on a great deal for a new house couldn’t be better then it currently is, but first you should be aware on the pros and cons of purchasing homes through a government auctions as compared to the standard way using a realtor.

Some of the pros of purchasing a foreclosed/pre-foreclosed home are:

- 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 or agencies fees to pay (consulting with a real estate savvy person is recommended).

- 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:

- A mortgage could be hard to obtain, unless you have borrowing leverage

- There may be existing liens or unpaid taxes against 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.

Tags: bank foreclosures, bank mortgages, Foreclosures, government auction reviews, Government Auctions, INVESTING, mortages, pre-foreclosures, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, seized property

Foreclosures - America’s Newest Land Rush

Apr 27, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

In the United States, the economic crisis is only continuing to get worse. Bank foreclosures and pre-foreclosures are at the highest number since the time of the Great Depression, and contribute to over 40% of the houses currently sold. Every day we hear on the news about another bank failing and the government debating on whether or not to bail them out. So many Americans are losing their homes and having their dreams crushed.

So what happens to homes after they’re foreclosed? Obviously, someone else will gain from another’s loss, which means that some good can come from this crisis. Foreclosed homes are usually sold at auctions for factions of their worth. Lenders will allow the foreclosed homes to sell well below market value, just to quickly recover any loaned amount possible. This can be a good thing for others, including first time buyers and low-income families, who are looking to purchase a home for investment or to reside in. Also if you’re buying a foreclosed home the bank will be more accommodating, if you have good credit, as they would prefer a mortgage payment rather then leaving the home abandoned.

Sometimes homeowners will go ahead and sell their homes before being foreclosed; this is simply called ‘pre-foreclosure’. Homeowners have a period of time to sell the house themselves before it is officially foreclosed. The public will be notified through government auction sites of a home facing foreclosure, which will give potential buyers time to make a deal with the bank or current owners.

Many people are finding that they can earn money by purchasing pre-foreclosed and foreclosed homes and then reselling them. For example, it’s possible to buy foreclosed and pre-foreclosed homes for as low as 25% of it’s market value, then reselling it for 75% of it’s value. For a house worth $200,000 that would be a $100,000 profit. There are many who have never had any previous experience in the real estate business now taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the real estate crisis. Foreclosed homes are most often offered through government auctions. But where can you find out about such opportunities?

Details about pre-foreclosed homes and foreclosed homes can be found on the Internet. There are a lot of government auction sites that provide information on homes facing foreclosures in every state. Unfortunately, there are some sites that are misleading the public, so you need to be informed when you sign up for a membership. Thankfully, there are legitimate government auction sites that provide detailed information about home foreclosures. So how can we know which sites are worth the membership and which ones are not.

The research is actually very easy to do if you read information on government auction ‘review’ sites. These reviews are very informative and they will keep visitors updated on the top, most trustworthy government auction membership sites. The government auction reviews test through specific criteria, and are scored according to the results. Obviously, the higher the score, the better and up-to-date the site’s foreclosure details are.

Whether you’re interested in simply getting a good deal on your dream home or investing for a profit, you need to read the reviews about the top government review sites before deciding which ones to enroll in. This way, you’ll get all the detailed information on which sites offer the best up-to-date information on home foreclosures and avoid any scams. Here are four steps to follow to help you down the right path:

- Read free reviews at a government auction reviews

- Check out and become a member of one of the suggested trustworthy government auction sites

- Go to to one of the top govenment sites and browse and select the best values in the foreclosure listings

- When it makes sense drop by the properties of highest interest and then visit the corresponding government auction

Tags: bank foreclosures, bank mortgages, bank pre-foreclosues, business opportunity, Foreclosure, Foreclosures, Government Auctions, INVESTING, pre-foreclosures, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, real estate short sales, seized property

Government Auctions Tax Lien Sales and How to Profit From Them

Apr 5, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

The government forecloses homes often as a result of people defaulting on their tax payments. Failure to pay taxes on property, whether personal or commercial, gives the government the right to foreclose the property. While this may sound horrible for the owners, there can be some positives that can result from it.

The local government will arrange a tax lien sale, where the public can bid on the right to provide the homeowner a loan in lieu of the home and/or commercial property. In return, the homeowner must pay the winning bidder back the full principle with interest, by a specific date. Both parties must agree with the terms and the date.

If the homeowner fails to pay back the lender, the lender then has every right to foreclose the property and to transfer the title in their name. In order for the homeowner to remain on the title, the owner must keep up with the payments on the new tax lien loan. The lender will charge the homeowner a predetermined interest rate which is much higher then the going mortgage rate in return for saving their home.

Obviously, a savvy business person would like the homeowner to be unable to pay back the loan or default on the loan terms, so that they can receive title on the property themselves. It’s in the homeowner’s best interest to pay their dues on the home and home tax loan, but if their financial situation was bad in the first place, there’s is a chance it may not improve anytime soon in this economy. In many cases, all odds are against the homeowner.

In addition to tax lien sales, there are also tax deed sales. Tax deed sales are when the government auctions off the property and title right away, giving the winning bidder immediate ownership. The current homeowners must surrender their home and/or property immediately. They have no choice otherwise. Tax lien sales will give them a chance to maintain their home, tax deed sales will not.

These government auction tax sale opportunities may be the best investments one can make because you actually have a house and/or property that either you own or have as collateral should your lien interest payments not be made. Just reflect on the amount of money you can make by purchasing a tax lien and charging high interest rates, or paying the defaulted taxes, receiving the house and either renting it for a monthly income or reselling it for a healthy profit.

Tags: Foreclosures, government auction reviews, Government Auctions, houses for sale, INVESTING, mortages, property auctions, property tax sale, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, repossessed property, seized property, tax deed, Tax Lien Sale, tax liens

Things to Research in a Community Before Buying Pre-Foreclosures

Mar 7, 2009 Real Estate Auctions

It’s a tragedy that many people are forfeiting their homes during this sub-prime real estate crisis. It was recently reported that foreclosures account for 50% of the homes currently being sold in the US. Even though many people are losing their homes, there are many others who can finally afford a home or are now investing into real estate and taking advantage of these discounted prices.

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 real estate experts including Donald Trump agree that now is a great time to invest in real estate and understand that pre-forecloses offer one of the best, if not the best, real estate opportunities.

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.

There are macro (local community, etc.) and micro aspects to take into consideration when looking for a pre-foreclosed home. Here are the some of the macro aspects:

- 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.

- Ask around to find out what the average rate for rent is in the neighborhood and if it has changed lately. This will indicate if local housing demand is on the rise or not.

- What is the local economy like at the town, local city and/or county level? Is the unemployment rate increasing or decreasing?

- Contact the local government to find out about any upcoming infrastructure plans. Plans such as new building permits, train lines, shopping centers and corporations establishing a local presence, would be a good indication of community growth.

- 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.

Tags: bank foreclosures, bank mortgages, business, Foreclosure, Foreclosures, Government Auctions, INVESTING, Investments, Pre Foreclosure, pre-foreclosures, property auctions, Real Estate, Real Estate Auctions, real estate short sales, seized property