Are there any risks in purchasing a foreclosed home from a sheriff's sale?

Certainly there is, make sure you do your homework and find out why it was foreclosed. Also, they should be able to let you inside so you can take a look around and see if there is any major damage that the building has sustained. It could be anything: flood damage, storm damage, rust damage, termite damage...get it checked out in person with someone who knows the house pointing out to you any flaws. If the water and power are working, check all the faucets and light switches. Make sure they show you the room with the water heater and check out the fuse box too! Also, inspect the front yard and backyard for anything suspicious, such as burrows, fence damage, any problems that would cost money out of your pocket to get fixed.
 
Of course. The house can be COMPLETELY trashed on the inside. Copper pipes are often missing. AC units are often missing. If the previous owner was disgruntled, they might have taken a sledge hammer to the walls. You might have had the homeless and drug users living in the house while it was vacant. Basically, there are THOUSANDS of things that could be wrong with the property and the responsibility of fixing those is 100% yours. No such thing as a sale contingent on a home inspection or asking the seller to fix certain items.
 
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