Central Ohio HUD Deals: How to Find the NEW HUD Listings and How the Rules Have Changed!

How To Find New HUD Homes Listings

Since the new asset managers took over at the beginning of October, there was quite some confusion on how to find new HUD homes listings in Columbus.

In the old days - before 10/13/10 - there was one website to go to, where you could easily search for HUD homes all over Ohio.

Now, the search is more complicated, because 3 asset management firms are responsible for marketing HUD homes in Ohio and HUD created a new website to show all of their listings. In addition, HUD homes are now listed on a daily basis. This means we can't publish a HUD homes map on Friday to show you exactly which new homes are available for the next 10 days.

The new website to find HUD homes for sale all over the country is the HUDHomeStore.com. It offers a completely new interface which may be simpler, but it certainly is not as powerful as the old website.

On the main page you can either click on the map or pick a state from the pull down menu on the left of the Search Properties box. I also recommend you enter a county and select which Status you are looking for, e.g. new listings. After you click "search" you get a list of HUD homes with pictures and addresses.

Click on the image or case number to display details on a specific house. There you can see more pictures, an appraisal (sometimes), HUD required addenda and the LPD (lead paint disclosure.)

As I write this post, there were only 7 HUD homes in Franklin County classified as new listings.

I expect that this will change very quickly, as the new asset managers scramble to get properties listed.

Another way to find HUD homes is on your local MLS. All HUD homes have to be listed on the MLS per HUD guidelines.

However, you may encounter some problems with the MLS listings:

1. A house may not be clearly labeled as a HUD home. At least not in the description available to the general public. A real estate agent can search for agent remarks (which are not visible to the public) and find HUD homes that way.
2. In the past, the HUD listings on the MLS were not up-to-date. Although HUD requires that listing brokers change the listing status of HUD properties within 24 hours, this may not happen, and you won't get the most current information.

What's your best bet for finding HUD homes in Columbus?

Read this blog and our emails, or call me directly at (614) 975-9650.

As I am following HUD listings on a daily basis, I know where the properties are. I will keep you up to date on new HUD listings in my emails.

I can also set up a custom search for you and email you whenever new HUD home that meets your criteria, hits the market.

Thanks for reading our Columbus HUD Homes Blog
Posted by: Susanne Novak, ABR, FIS, GRI
Columbus Realtors specializing in
HUD Homes, Shortsales, Investment Real Estate
(614) 975-9650 www.ColumbusOhioHUDHomes.com