buying an occupied home at auction

[Jeff Pracht]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has any experience buying homes at auction? I found one going up for auction in my neighborhood later this month and I drove past it this morning to check it out. looks like it could be a good deal for the right purchase price. only problem I'm having is there are cars in the driveway and patio furniture on the front porch. I didn't think a house going to auction could be occupied? how do you go about buying and starting a project on something In this situation? does this pose legal issues or problems? any help would be much appreciated, this will be my first real estate venture so thanks in advance.

[Wayne Brooks]

Of course it can be occupied.....is this the actual(court house steps) foreclosure auction Or is it an REO auction? In either case, knock on the door, be courteuous and respectful, find out if it's a tenant or the owner, ask about their plans, etc.....decide from there.

If it's the actual foreclosure auction make sure you nderstand the laws about any possible surviving liens....hoa debts, code violations, municipal, property taxes, etc.