Buying a Foreclosure? Read This First.
Unfortunately, there are more foreclosures on the market than ever before. These homes can offer great deals for first-time buyers or investors, but they are typically sold "as-is" — meaning you also inherit any hidden issues. Skipping the home inspection because the seller won’t make repairs can be a costly mistake, especially if you don’t have the cash reserves for major repairs before moving in.
We want you to make an informed decision. Here are key things to know when considering a foreclosure purchase.
What is a Winterized Home?
In colder regions, many vacant homes are “winterized” to prevent freezing damage. This usually means the water supply is shut off, plumbing is drained, and antifreeze is added to traps. However, improper winterization can lead to cracked pipes, broken toilets, or failed heating systems.
If you’re buying a home with hot water heat, be cautious — boilers and radiators can also freeze and crack. Replacing these systems is expensive. Our inspections will help identify signs of damage or improper winterization.
No Power?
Foreclosures are often disconnected from utilities, especially between April 15th and November 1st in Wisconsin. This can leave homes unprotected — sump pumps stop, furnaces don’t run, and any undrained plumbing could freeze and rupture. If the utilities aren’t on, significant systems may go untested during the inspection.
How to Protect Yourself
Home inspectors are trained to identify red flags, but inspections are limited to visible components. The best protection is ensuring utilities are on before your inspection. Without power and water, we can’t test electrical outlets, detect hidden plumbing leaks, or evaluate HVAC systems.
We’ll document any visible defects or safety concerns in your report. Even if the seller won’t fix them, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision. Some foreclosures need repairs that far outweigh their savings — and you’ll want to know that before committing.
Always include a home inspection contingency when buying a foreclosure. When you hire us, we’ll educate you about the home’s condition so you know what to expect — and what it may cost to address. Our goal is to protect your investment and help you avoid surprises.
Ready to move forward? Visit our Quick Actions page to schedule your inspection, request a quote, or contact us directly.