Gail is correct! Especially if you're looking at buying a foreclosure, use a Realtor! Answers to your foreclosure questions, as well as a lit of major lender and gov't foreclosure sites,can be found through the link below.

Hi Christine. Good question. If you're planning on purchasing a home through the HUD program, you should be working with an real estate professional to assist you through the process. It's difficult to say what you should offer on any particular house and that is where the agent can be very useful to your buying decision. In other ways, the agent can also inform you on the closing costs, and what Hud is willing to pay for and what it does not pay for. Although HUD does not pay for an inspection report, they do provide a form of inspection audit that is available, and you can pay to get your own inspection which would be to your advantage. You may find that the home has some many problems that you should look elsewhere. Rely on your agent to help you through the process and good luck! Gail