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A Friendly Place to Start
MyHomeZilla brings government-owned home listings together with simple guides, so first-time buyers know exactly where to begin.
Five Programs, One Search
Browse homes from HUD, VA, Fannie Mae HomePath, Freddie Mac HomeSteps, and USDA, with property details for each listing in one easy place.
Alerts That Fit Your Search
Save your search and get email alerts plus SMS listing highlights (up to 5 a month) when new government-owned homes match.
Opening the Door to Homeownership with Government-Owned Homes
What Is a Government-Owned Home?
When a home with a government-backed loan, or a loan owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, goes through foreclosure, HUD, the VA, the USDA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac may take ownership and sell it to a new buyer.
- Priority for owner-occupants: Some programs give buyers who will live in the home an early chance to make offers.
- Usually sold as-is: Plan for an inspection and possible repairs before you buy.
- Different rules for each program: Who can buy, how offers work, and which loans fit all depend on the agency selling the home.
Learn How Each Program Sells Its Homes
Every program has its own rules. Here’s a plain-English look at the big ones.
HUD Homes
HUD homes come from foreclosed FHA-insured loans and are sold through the HUD Home Store, with offers submitted by a HUD-registered real estate agent. Owner-occupant buyers get a priority bidding period first. HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door program also offers discounts to eligible teachers, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs in revitalization areas. Eligibility rules apply.
VA-Owned Homes
When a VA-backed loan ends in foreclosure, the VA may take ownership and list the home for sale. VA-owned (REO) homes can be bought by anyone, not just veterans.
Fannie Mae HomePath and Freddie Mac HomeSteps
Fannie Mae sells its homes on HomePath, with a First Look period when owner-occupants can make offers before investors. Freddie Mac sells its homes through HomeSteps, usually with local listing agents.
USDA Homes
USDA Rural Development sells homes from foreclosed USDA loans, mostly in rural and some suburban areas. How they are sold and who can buy can vary by property.
Easy home searches
Find government-owned homes that fit your budget and the places you want to live.
Saved searches and alerts
Save your search and get email alerts, plus SMS listing highlights (up to 5 a month).
Clear property details
Review the details for each home and learn which steps come next before you contact an agent.
Tips for Government-Owned Homes
These homes can be a great path to ownership, especially for first-time buyers. A little planning goes a long way.
Work with the right agent
HUD homes, and many other government-owned homes, accept offers only through a registered or participating real estate agent.
Plan for repairs
Government-owned homes are usually sold as-is, so get an inspection when you can and budget for repairs.
Watch the deadlines
Priority periods and bid deadlines can move quickly. Alerts help you hear about new listings sooner.
Start your search for a government-owned home with MyHomeZilla.
MyHomeZilla is an independent membership service. We are not a lender or a government agency, and we are not affiliated with HUD, the VA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the USDA.
Why Choose MyHomeZilla?
Built for Home Shoppers
Made for renters ready to own, first-time buyers, buyers rebuilding credit, and bargain hunters.
Every Major Program
HUD, VA, Fannie Mae HomePath, Freddie Mac HomeSteps, and USDA homes, alongside foreclosures, private listings, and rent-to-own homes.
Alerts That Fit You
Saved searches, email alerts, and SMS listing highlights (up to 5 a month) help you keep up with new homes.
Plain-English Guides
Learn how bidding, priority periods, and as-is sales work before you make an offer.
Friendly Support
Our team is here to help you make the most of your membership, every step of the way.