How to Find Free Foreclosure Listings

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By onionsaredabest
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Of the many homes for sale, foreclosures are perhaps the most popular in the realestate market right now. Amazing housing deals can be had through the purchase of a foreclosure, so demand for these properties is high among those looking for homes. Unfortunately, foreclosure listings can be difficult to find, and free foreclosure listings are even harder to locate. This guide will show you how to find free foreclosure listings.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Search online foreclosure listings. The first and most convenient place to look for free foreclosure listings is online. There are many websites that list foreclosures, but these websites typically do not disclose full listings without a paid membership. Fortunately, most of them offer access to listings for a limited time through a trial membership, and you can use this to your advantage. Since there are so many of these websites, you can sign up for a trial membership at one and then when its trial period runs out, sign up for a trial at another. This method gives you exposure to free foreclosure listings for a long time.
Step 2

Search bank listings. Many banks list real estate owned, or REO, properties for free either online or through local inquiry. This is a great way to locate a foreclosed home, so I've provided a link to a listing of REO Banks and Lenders below.
Step 3

Communicate with an REO asset management company. These companies exist to help lenders dispose of real estate as quickly as possible for the highest price they can get. Because they want to get homes off of their clients' hands, many offer free foreclosure listings and are willing to cut great deals.
Step 4

Inquire at the state or federal level. There are many government foreclosed properties that are for sale through public auction or through listing sites, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is not the only government agency that sells foreclosed homes. The USDA, Department of Treasury, and the FDIC all have houses for sale. At the more local level, the County Clerk maintains records of foreclosure properties that may not have reached foreclosure listings yet. Since these records are publicly available, the County Recorder's Office is one of the best places to find free foreclosure listings.