Buying a HUD Home is Different than Buying Other Types of Homes

There are a few things you need to know up front about buying a HUD home, since the procedures may be different than those used in buying other types of homes. HUD however, has made the procedure as efficient and convenient as possible. Here are some things you should know:

• Anyone can buy a HUD home
  HUD homes can be purchased by anyone. While many homes are affordable, this is not a low-income program. Home may be bought by owner-occupants (who have a priority bid period for 10 days), and by investors, who can then bid along with owner occupants.
• HUD homes are sold at market value
  HUD homes are initially priced for sale at the appraised market value. The buyer may offer any price, but HUD will only agree to offers that provide an acceptable return. Price reductions may take place later if the home does not sell.
• HUD homes are sold “As Is”
  It is extremely important to understand that HUD homes are sold in “as is” condition. This means that the condition of the home when you see it is what you will be buying. HUD makes no warranties, does not guarantee the condition of any home, and does not verify that it complies with any local code or zoning requirements. You must make any necessary repairs after the purchase. HUD may make, or give you an allowance for, major system or safety repairs only if you are purchasing with an FHA-insured loan. It is very important that you get a Home Inspection by a licensed professional prior to closing on the sale.
• Deadlines must be met
  When you buy another type of home, you can usually negotiate the contract and other transaction items over an unspecified period of time. When purchasing a HUD home, this is not possible. In order to be fair to all purchasers, HUD has imposed timetables that must be met, or your bid or contract will be cancelled and the home returned to the market. Once your bid is acknowledged as the highest net to HUD, for example, your agent must send in a correct contract within 48 hours or the bid will be cancelled. Generally, closing must take place within 45-60 days. First Preston cannot change the HUD deadlines.

Making an Offer on a HUD Home

• Offers must be submitted through an electronic bidding process
  All offers must be submitted by your broker through an electronic bidding process. Most offers are made via computer through the Internet. An option to bid via telephone is also available for brokers who do not have computers. The electronic bids are stored in the computer system and, at the appropriate time, calculations are automatically performed to determine the apparent highest net offer to HUD.
• The apparent highest bid is acknowledged by First Preston to your broker, who is notified to send in a correct, signed sales contract within 48 hours. If the contract is not received within 48 hours or is incorrect, the home will be returned to the market or acknowledged to the next highest bidder. All acknowledged bids are subject to cancellation for prior sale, electronic error, and other conditions (see