I'm sure you're aware of the real estate and foreclosure crisis going on in the United States. Because of this, there is an excess of homes on the market. Obviously some properties will be run down in unappealing neighbourhoods as usual, but what's different this time is the surprisingly increasing number of well kept and even executive style properties that are up for sale for pennies on the dollar.

There are some great values out there but in order to take advantage of them you should first be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of buying a foreclosed home at a government auction versus the conventional method using a realtor.

Here are some advantages to purchasing a foreclosed or pre-foreclosed home:

- Price is the number one reason to purchase a foreclosure.

- Many homes are in good condition for much less than their market value.

- The selection range of home available to choose from is extensive.

- No middle man (Realtor) to have to go through or additional fees to pay (although you should consult with someone along who can inspect the home(s) for you).

- You are not required to pay certain insurances.

- Good property investment to rent or resell.

- Less risky than trading equities in the stock market.

Disadvantages:

- A mortgage could be hard to obtain, unless you have borrowing leverage

- Need to be mindful of existing liens or taxes that have not been paid on the property.

Making sure that the foreclosed home you're interested in is clear of all debt is one of the most important things you should do homework on. After that, find out what types of payment plans are allowed, and have any required financing in place beforehand. Obviously any additional savings you may have will help.

Government auctions are being held all around the US and Canada. You can find information about upcoming auctions and pre-foreclosures (homes you can buy before the auction) on the internet along with detailed listings on the homes that will be for sale. Purchasing a home through a government auction can be a very rewarding adventure but doing your research ahead of time will allow you to be prepared. In fact I would recommend attending a few auctions before you are ready to purchase so that you become familiar with that environment.