It is important when investing in real estate to buy properties at below market value. One good way to do this is to buy foreclosed properties. When the mortgage on a property is not paid on time it goes into foreclosure. This means the bank that holds the mortgage will try to sell the property. The way how the banks usually do this is with public auctions. These auctions are a great way to buy real estate at below market value.

Public auctions usually take place in the county courthouse. To find out when a public auction is taking place the best thing to do is call the county courthouse. Another way to find out is check your local newspaper. When bidding on foreclosed properties the best thing to do is do your homework. When you buy foreclosed properties you buy them as is. This means if something is wrong with the property it is your responsibility to fix it. The last thing you want is to end up with a property that will cost way too much money to fix up.

When bidding on a property try your best to set a boundary and stick to it. If you get overzealous you can end up over paying for a property. If you know the market value of the property the recommended thing to do is stay below the market value. When you buy property under market value, you will have an advantage if you decide to resell it. Another advantage is; if you rent the property out you will see more profits each month from rents with a smaller mortgage payment. Buying foreclosure properties may take more work than buying real estate the conventional way, but if you use and build on the information you read here it will payoff in the long run.