Where Do I Find Foreclosures?

Buyers shopping for homes in the current market naturally have thoughts that buying a foreclosure might be right for them, so where do they find foreclosures and who can they rely on to help?  With foreclosures on the rise, buyers have more access to listings than ever before.  Here are the most commonly used and most accessible search engines to locate the information:

1. Public Records

If you are interested in seeking foreclosures the old fashion way, start at the public records office in your county of interest.  However, in today’s technological era, this will probably be considered an overwhelming and time consuming process. 

2. The Internet

You can conduct an easy search through your favorite search engines on the internet.  There are numerous websites dedicated to foreclosure listings, however they probably require a monthly subscription to their site. 

3. Print Publication

Every newspaper advertises foreclosures.  They are listed in the classified section under Trustee Sales.  Depending on your local government, the Trustee or Lender may be required by law to advertise the foreclosure sale for consecutive weeks or months before the sale.  Newspapers in the Maryland area that advertise foreclosure properties are the Washington Post, Washington Times, local Gazettes, PennySaver, and as well as numerous local community newspapers.

4. Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents can be extremely helpful to a buyer searching for foreclosures in a particular area.  StopRenting recommends choosing an agent with a proven record of 25 closings specifically within the foreclosure market.  An inexperienced agent could cost you time and money that could have been saved by doing it on your own.