KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas Citians lined up at Bartle Hall Wednesday night for the chance a deal on home ownership.

There was no cost to register for the home foreclosure auction, but attendees had to come with a $5,000 cashier's check in hand to show they were serious bidders with the money to make a down payment.

Realtors selling the foreclosed homes said about half of the people expressing interest were investors and the other half first-time homebuyers.

"The regular market is a little higher, and I cannot afford it. And I think over here, I may be able to get one for the right price," said a prospective buyer named Mohammad.

Many of the opening bids started as low as $500, but prospective buyers who previewed the homes during open houses earlier this month said many of the homes also need a lot of work and they are all being sold "as is."