One of the biggest problems you might face when purchasing foreclosure properties is the damage done to the place thanks to abandonment. When some homeowners face foreclosure, they don't want to stick around for the process and end up just deserting the property. What these folks don't realize is the ramifications of their actions.

Taxes on Written Off Debt

The biggest surprise facing owners of foreclosure properties is the tax bill. The IRS has rules on the book that affect people in these situations. The basic idea is that any time you have a debt written off by the lender you're going to have to claim that money as income. While it may seem unfair to punish people who have just lost their home, that's the way the laws work.

Property owners must pay taxes on whatever portion of the mortgage is written off. That may not be much if the property is sold for a good price at the auction or if the homeowner is required to cover any deficiency. However, when the tax information arrives the following January, most ex-homeowners are shocked by its arrival.

Helping Prevent the Tax Burden

Again, this is where a pre-foreclosure sale can help people struggling under the weight of foreclosure properties. Because the pre-foreclosure buyer is actually purchasing the property from the owner and is doing so by paying off the mortgage, none of the debt is being written off. Additionally, the homeowner won't profit from the sale of the home so he or she will have no extra income to claim on their taxes.

While you'll want to discuss all of this in more detail with an accountant experienced in dealing with foreclosure properties, you'll definitely be able to help homeowners who are in need of assistance at this time in their lives.