Why do you personally think people should know about HUD housing?

Save a ton of money. For investors, it allows them the ability to sell a property with enough markup to make it worthwhile. The bottom line is that because they are in their own private niche, you offer a better deal due to the lack of attention they receive.

Why did you choose to specialize in HUD, knowing it would be more of a challenge than selling “regular” homes?

I actually fell into it by mistake. The first was in 1988 and the second in 1989. The more he did, the easier it got and by 1993-1994 he was selling 50% of every HUD he displayed. Who doesn’t like working when it’s fun, helping people and making money in the process.

What is the initial reaction you get when you tell people you specialize in HUD housing? Positive? Negative?

Curiosity to very positive, like I’m so glad I met you.

Does the fact that you’re thinking of living in a HUD home help change people’s minds about them if they’re not initially too enthusiastic about the idea?

No, I guess it just adds to the credibility of them and myself believing in them. Because I believe in them so strongly that people take notice. Actually, many laugh with a sense of irony that I have one.

Do you find that more people are buying these houses to live in or “flip”?

Live in. If the investor didn’t have to wait the first 10 days to buy, the ratio might be a little different. Buyers always get the first stab at these with a 10 day bidding period and investors can bid after that initial.

Do you think the media (such as “Flip This House”) have had any influence on HUD’s business in general? Do people talk about the show?

Sometimes it appears, but not in general. Remember flipping requires inventory. Obscure inventory like a HUD home is hard to come by in the first place, but then you have to know how and monitor and know when and how much to bid. they are mysterious

Is there any type of person (or family, etc.) that ever feels they should NOT buy a HUD home? Why or why not?

Yes, the person who is deathly afraid of the “X” factor. You have to be able to roll with the punches if it’s released with a HUD house, ie condition before and the things you find out after the sale.

Why do so many people confuse HUD with Section 8?

Both have the word “HUD” on them and both are known in the community as money savers. The confusion will continue for some time.

Why do you think it’s so hard to find the HUD housing list? Wouldn’t HUD want to make it easier? Have you been criticized for this?

HUD has a free website with a free HUD listing for each state. The problem is finding it. Most people go to http://www.HUD.com or .gov and often end up looking at some kind of “official” website trying to charge you $40-$60 a month for your information. That is where the search for many buyers to list HUD homes stops.

Is there any record of how many real estate agents specialize in HUD housing? Is there a percentage or number for such real estate agents in the United States?

Not that I knew of. However, here’s one that can sell any HUD home in all 62 counties of New York State. Outside of New York State, I charge a flat fee based on the client’s need for my accessibility to assist in the process.