Buying a HUD Home

When someone with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgage can't meet the payments, the lender forecloses on the home; FHA pays the lender what is owed; and then the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) takes ownership of the home. Then HUD sells it at market value as quickly as possible. Michaelson, Connor & Boul, Inc. (MCB) is a Marketing and Management contractor for HUD 1 to 4 unit residential properties. MCB maintains and sells these properties in accordance with HUD guidelines. We know you may have several questions regarding the purchase of a HUD property. We want to provide you with as much information as possible to assist you with your purchase.

Who can Purchase a HUD Home?
Any individual who can qualify for a mortgage or who can pay cash may purchase a HUD home. Purchasers must use a broker or agent who is registered with HUD to place a bid on a property. Purchasers must also have a pre-qualification letter from a lender or proof of cash funds in the amount of or greater than the property they are purchasing.

How are HUD Homes Sold?
All HUD Homes are listed on our website at their "AS-IS" fair market value. Purchasers (with the exception of special program purchasers) must obtain the services of a HUD Registered Real Estate Agent. Agents may submit bids on HUD properties on behalf of their buyers. The bid that meets the acceptable threshold and has the highest net to HUD receives a provisional bid acceptance subject to receipt of all required documents. Once a bid is accepted an original Sales Contract Package must be submitted to MCB with 48 hours.

How is Fair Market Value determined?
Fair Market Value is determined by a licensed FHA appraiser. Copies of the FHA appraisal are available to the lender by request after a property is under contract. If a property is exposed to the market without any acceptable offers then a reduction of the listed price may occur.

Does HUD make any repairs to the property?
No. All HUD properties are sold in their "AS-IS" condition. There are no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, on any HUD property. HUD does not guarantee the condition of any property, FHA-insurable or not, nor whether it meets local codes or zoning requirements. Purchasers are advised that there may be code and/or zoning violations on these properties and that it is the responsibility of the purchaser to identify these violations. Buyers are very strongly encouraged to have homes inspected by a qualified home inspection company to satisfy themselves as to the condition of the property at the time of sale.

Access to the Property
Owner Occupant and Investor purchasers MUST be accompanied by a broker or agent when viewing any HUD home listed for sale. Buyers may not enter a house without their broker/agent for any reason prior to closing. Brokers and/or agents must accompany any individual performing services such as home inspections, appraisals, or certifications. Brokers and agents may only use their keys for their own legitimate use. Keys are not permitted to be lent to any other individuals associated with any sales transactions.

Repairs, Improvements, or Occupancy Prior to Closing
No work is to be done to ANY HUD property prior to the close of the transaction. An accepted bid is NOT a transfer of ownership. Purchasers do not own the home until it is recorded in their name. Purchasers may not use the home for storage of personal items or occupy the premises under any circumstances. Occupying or working on a HUD home prior to the close will be treated as trespassing. Failure to abide by this policy can result in the cancellation of the sale transaction, forfeiture of the earnest money deposit and may also involve suspension of bidding privileges for the selling agent and brokerage firm.