With prices of property in California comparatively lower than the same time last year, and with active measures being taken to check the ongoing foreclosure problem, people are once again looking to buy property. Since California foreclosure properties sell for lesser than property not linked to foreclosure within same neighborhoods, foreclosure property is being looked upon with favor.

Different types of foreclosure properties are sold in different manner. Property can be sold during pre foreclosure, at foreclosure auctions or as REO property once the foreclosure proceedings are complete.

During pre foreclosure, property can be bought through the property owner directly. The primary motive of owners selling pre foreclosure property is to try and clear the debt on the mortgage. This is the reason that pre foreclosure property can sometimes end up selling at a fraction of what it's really worthy.

Buying property at foreclosure auctions requires thorough knowledge of the process. If you have never attended a foreclosure auction or are unaware of the functioning of an auction, it is best that you sit through an auction or two before you place your first bid.

Once the title/deed of a property is transferred to the lender, it is referred to as a Real Estate Owned (REO) property. To buy REO property you would have to deal either with the lender, or with real estate agents who have been hired by the lender to help sell the foreclosure property. REO property is normally looked upon as a safe way to buy foreclosure property because past arrears linked to the foreclosure property are generally taken care of by the lender after foreclosure.

It is of the utmost importance that you, as the buyer, inspect the foreclosure property before making an offer. This is because some foreclosure properties are in really run down condition and are best left alone.

With there being no shortage of foreclosure property in California, a dedicated search can definitely result in some very good bargains.