How to Find Foreclosures Through the Property Tax Department With the City

Buying foreclosed properties is one way to add real estate to your comprehensive investment portfolio. Investors can take advantage of mortgage foreclosures or tax-related foreclosures. A tax foreclosure is handled by the government at the federal, state or local level. Researching information in municipal records can help you find available property to buy through city tax foreclosures.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Access the city government's Website. Look for links to offices and agencies related to property taxes, although not all cities assess and collect property taxes.

2. Find a link to the Web page that lists properties subject to tax foreclosure. These pages include information about foreclosed properties for sale and scheduled auctions.

3. Visit City Hall in person and find the office that deals with property taxes and foreclosures.

4. Tell the city staff member who handles foreclosures about your interest in purchasing real estate in tax foreclosure. The property tax department can provide lists of current foreclosures and add you to the notification list.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider hiring an experienced real estate broker to help you find foreclosures through the city property tax department. Real estate brokers develop a network of sources who can provide the latest information about scheduled auctions and foreclosed property available for sale.

• Have the foreclosed real estate thoroughly inspected before you buy. Many property owners facing foreclosure neglect maintenance and repair.

References

• "Foreclosure Investing For Dummies"; Ralph R. Roberts & Joe Kraynak; 2007
• "The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate"; Thomas J. Lucier; 2004
• "The Complete Guide to Locating, Negotiating, and Buying Real Estate Foreclosures"; Frankie Orlando; 2008

Resources

• Realty Trac: Government Tax Foreclosures