subject: Useful Tips When Buying Bank Foreclosure Homes [print this page] Buying bank foreclosure homes can be very profitable for both investors and new home buyers alike. Since they are often priced way below their actual value, they are perfect investments for doubling or even multiplying your money.When a borrower defaults on his mortgage payments, the lender is compelled to start the foreclosure proceedings to repossess the property and sell them mainly for recouping the balance on the outstanding debt. This presents an excellent opportunity for you to buy them at bargain prices since lenders are generally most inclined to dispose them within the shortest possible time to avoid high maintenance costs. However, it would still be useful to keep in mind the following tips when dealing with bank owned properties.Get The Help Of A Real Estate BrokerIf you are a new investor or a first time home buyer, you should get a real estate broker to help you through the whole buying process. The reason for this is that the foreclosure business can be complicated for newbies who are understandably unfamiliar with the language of the housing market. A real estate broker will help you understand the entire process and give you helpful advices on how to proceed with purchasing bank foreclosure homes.Moreover, an experienced and competent real estate broker can also get you ahead of the business because of their vast network from which they can gather exclusive information on the hot deals roaming the market. He would know what to look for, where to look, and how and what to pursue in the foreclosures business.Secure A PreapprovalEvery investor knows that a preapproved credit can get you the financing that you need. Finding the right property is of no use if you are not qualified to take out a loan for it or if the bank refuses your application because of a low credit score.A preapproval means that you have been preapproved for a certain amount of loan. This allows you to look for properties that fall within the specified amount. Lenders are more confident to deal with buyers who show a strong credit history manifested in a preapproval letter. A preapproved mortgage greatly reduces the amount of frustration that results from unapproved applications and bank loan refusals.Compare PricesBefore you affix your signature on the paper, make sure that you have done your research well. By comparing local prices, you will know the reasonable price range of properties within a particular neighborhood and can tell whether or not a property is being overpriced. Of course, paying more for a property which you can acquire for less is hardly what you want to happen when investing in bank foreclosure homes.