Frequently asked questions

An independent listings and information resource. We explain foreclosures, rent-to-own homes and private listings in plain English, link to official listing sources, and send listing alerts to people who sign up.

No. We’re privately operated and not affiliated with HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or any other government agency. We link to official government sites so you can check their listings and rules directly.

No. Signing up and receiving email alerts is free. We don’t charge for texts either, but your carrier’s message and data rates may apply if you opt in to text alerts.

From sellers, listing agents, government and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac listing sites, and other third parties. We don’t own or sell any of the homes, and details can change, so always confirm price, condition and availability with the seller, listing agent or official source.

No. Signing up only means we send you listing alerts and guides, which may include offers and promotions. It isn’t an application, it doesn’t mean you’re approved for anything, and it doesn’t reserve a property.

“Foreclosure” is the legal process a lender uses to take back a home. You can buy before the sale (pre-foreclosure), at the public auction, or afterwards, once a lender owns it: that’s a bank-owned or REO home. A HUD home is one the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development owns after a foreclosure on an FHA-insured mortgage; it’s sold through HUD Home Store. Our foreclosure guide walks through each stage.

HUD sells to owner-occupants, investors, Good Neighbor Next Door buyers, nonprofits and government agencies. Owner-occupant buyers and investors bid through a HUD-registered real estate broker; HUD-approved nonprofits and government agencies bid directly on HUD Home Store. People who will live in the home get the first chance: for homes listed on or after May 30, 2025, there’s a 15-day exclusive period (5 days for uninsured homes) for owner-occupants, HUD-approved nonprofits and government entities before investors can bid.

Fannie Mae (HomePath) and Freddie Mac (HomeSteps) give owner-occupants, public entities and qualifying nonprofits the first 30 days a foreclosed home is listed to make offers without competing against investors. Each listing, or your agent, can tell you whether a home is still in its First Look period.

You rent a home under an agreement to buy it later at a price set at the start. In a lease-option, you pay for the right to buy but don’t have to. In a lease-purchase, you’ve agreed to buy when the lease ends. Part of your rent may be credited toward the purchase if the contract says so. The rent-to-own guide compares the two.

Usually not. If you don’t buy, you typically lose the option fee and any rent credits, unless the contract says otherwise. Some contracts apply the fee to the purchase price if you do buy. Read this part of the contract carefully, and consider having an attorney or a HUD-approved housing counselor review it.

Confirm the seller owns the home using county property records and their ID. Put the deal in a written contract with inspection, financing, appraisal and title contingencies. Keep the earnest money with a title company, escrow agent or attorney, get a home inspection and a title search, and consider owner’s title insurance. The private listings guide has the six steps.

Be wary if the “owner” can’t show you the inside, rushes you, or asks you to pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency; the FTC says those are like sending cash. Check county records to confirm who owns the home, and walk away from pressure. You can report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (opens in a new tab).

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