There's a HUD Home with your name on it.

Out of all the homes for sale in your area, there is likely to be one that has everything you want. The trick is simply to find it.

Of course, your real estate agent is going to be a big help. But even the agent will need to know what your priorities are. Is a short commute important to you? Or are schools your biggist concern? How many bedrooms do you think you need?

Before you begin looking at homes, try to decide in advance exactly what you want. This can save you and the agent a lot of time. It's a good idea to actually write down your wishes, and share the list with your agent. This is helpful because he or she will usually have lists of the properties for sale in your area, including all the HUD Homes. HUD homes are listed in the local multiple listing service (MLSand) on the internet at http://www.hud.gov/. A broker should have all the information you need.

Almost any home you look at will have room for improvement. But the more that needs to be done to a home, the less you're going to have to pay for it. HUD Homes, because they're sold in "as-is" condition, can often be a great, affordable opportunity for the fixer-upper. Many are in fine neighborhoods and offer outstanding values. And while some HUD Homes do qualify as "handyman specials," many are in very good condition.

HUD does not warrant the condition of its properities, but will give you the information it has about the condition of the property you're interested in. You can use this information in formulating your bid.

There's even a HUD loan program available, the 203(k), where buyers can borrow money to make repairs on some properties. You repay these funds later, as part of your mortgage. Just be aware that 203(k) funds aren't available for all houses in all areas. Ask the real estate agent you're working with about 203(k) availability in your area.