Buying HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) homes isn't necessarily a way to get rich quick. These homes are supposed to be sold at market value, after all, which would seemingly make the great deals you hear about a myth. However, there are some profit opportunities here.
One of the reasons you still find good deals on HUD homes - even though they are supposed to sell at market value - is that they are sold "as is." These are houses that have been foreclosed on and repossessed, so the previous owner may not have had the means nor the motivation to properly care for the home. They often have enough problems to scare away most home buyers.
What does this mean? It means that due to the condition, the market value may be low compared to properly-maintained homes. This can mean an opportunity for an investor who is willing to fix a few things. For example, to the general public, a "problem house" can be worth $40,000 less than surrounding homes, while it may take only $10,000 make it look good again.
Comments(1)