Foreclosure victims making a comeback

Experts say now is the time to buy, even for foreclosure victims

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – They're the unlikely buyers in today's housing market, but there's no doubt about it, foreclosure victims are making a surprising comeback.

Much of the comeback wouldn't be possible without help from the US government.

They're the last ones you'd expect to be buying houses nowadays, families forced in foreclosure, just a couple of years ago. But whether they had a short sale or filed bankruptcy, many are homeowners again, with a little help from the federal government.

"What used to be a dirty word, is now just people kind of confessing that and realizing that hey we're in all this mess together," said financial expert Joe Krier.

Financial Expert Joe Krier points to USDA housing development programs where the FDA doesn't require an explanation for credit scores of 620 or more.

As long as bankruptcy was filed at least three years ago, a person is eligible to buy. But there's a catch. That person can only buy homes in designated rural areas.

"Builders are even building homes that specifically fit into some of these niche lending programs, even offering free credit counseling to help people clean it up," Krier said. "There is a niche out there, builders are filling the need a little bit more."

Krier said the housing market is the key to the nations recovery, not only for the families in the homes, but for the jobs construction provides.

"As long as people have a job, and have a source of income, everyone deserves a second chance," homeowner Debra Boatwright said. "It's really the countries fault for letting things rise and rise and rise to the point where you couldn't afford it."

Selling to foreclosure victims does have it's risks, because the economy hasn't fully recovered. But factor in the rising price of rent, and the cheap cost of a house, some say it's better to buy now, than to wait.

"Obviously if someone has a job and cash flow and things are starting to come together for them, they need to look at the job situation," Krier said. "It can be good if they do it correctly."