HUD/VA/Government Foreclosures

Prudential Carruthers' experienced agents are available to guide you through the process of purchasing a HUD or VA owned home. Please contact ebusiness@prudentialcarruthers.com about purchasing a HUD or VA home.

Frequently Asked Questions About HUD Homes

1. What is a "HUD Home"?
Answer: When someone with a HUD insured mortgage can't meet the payments, the lender forecloses on the home; HUD pays the lender what is owed; and HUD takes ownership of the home. Then we sell it at market value as quickly as possible.

2. Who can buy a HUD home?
Answer: Anyone! If you have the cash or can qualify for a mortgage, you can buy a HUD home.

3. Are HUD Homes meant for people with low incomes?
Answer: HUD homes range in price, but most are affordable for low- and moderate-income Americans.

4. Is it true I can get a HUD Home for a dollar?
Answer: No. HUD sells homes at market value - that means that the price is set based on the price of similar homes sold in the area.

5. If the HUD Home needs repairs, will HUD make them?
Answer: HUD Homes are sold "as-is," without warranty. That means that HUD will not pay to correct any problems. But even if a HUD Home needs fixing up - and not all of them do - it can be a real bargain! For example, HUD's asking price on the home will reflect the fact that the buyer will have to invest money to make improvements. HUD might offer special incentives such as an allowance to upgrade the property, a moving expense allowance, or a bonus for closing the sale early. And keep in mind that on most sales, the buyer can request HUD to pay all or a portion of the financing and closing costs. Your real estate agent will have details.

We encourage you to get the home professionally inspected before you make an offer. so you will know what repairs you may have to make BEFORE you submit your bid.

6. How do I buy a HUD home?
Answer: Start by finding a participating real estate agent. Your real estate agent must submit your bid for you.

Normally, HUD Homes are sold in an "Offer Period." At the end of the Offer Period, all offers are opened and, basically, the highest bid is accepted. If the home isn't sold in the initial Offer Period, you can submit a bid any business day. If your bid is acceptable to HUD, your real estate agent will be notified, usually within 48 hours.

7. If my bid is accepted, then what happens?
Answer: Your real estate agent will help you through the paperwork process. You'll be given a settlement date, normally within 30-60 days, where the transaction will occur. We have an excellent booklet to help you understand the settlement process: "Buying Your Home - Settlement Costs and Helpful Information."

When you buy a HUD Home, the selling agent's commissions are usually paid by HUD. HUD will pay a total sales commission of up to 6%.

8. How can I find out what HUD Homes are for sale?
Answer: Right here! We update our lists of HUD Homes for sale every day. If you see one that interests you, contact one of the real estate agents in your area who show HUD homes. They can help you from there.

9. How can I get a loan to buy a HUD Home?
Answer: HUD doesn't make loans directly. But we do have a number of mortgage insurance programs that could help you buy a home. You can read about those programs here.

10. Can I buy a HUD Home as an investment?
Answer: Most HUD Homes are initially offered on a priority basis to owner occupant purchasers (people who are buying the home as their primary residence). Following the priority period, unsold properties are then available to all buyers, including investors.

11. Is there anything else I should know about HUD Homes?
Answer: We encourage every homebuyer and homeowner to be a wise consumer, so be sure to read our Consumer Information. Houses built before 1977 may have lead based paint, which can cause harm to your family; so be sure to read about this hazard and about what you would need to do to correct it.