How to Find Government Foreclosures in Your Area

 

Finding government foreclosures and getting a list of foreclosed properties in your area for free can be done through several official and public resources. Here’s how:

1. Check Government Websites

Many foreclosure properties are sold through government agencies. The best sources include:

• HUD Homes (HUD.gov): The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development lists foreclosed homes owned by the government.
• Fannie Mae HomePath (HomePath.com): Offers foreclosed properties backed by Fannie Mae.
• Freddie Mac HomeSteps (HomeSteps.com): Lists bank-owned homes under Freddie Mac.
• USDA Foreclosures (USDA.gov): Features rural housing foreclosures.
• VA Foreclosures (VA Vendee Loan Program): Lists foreclosures owned by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. Contact Local County Clerk or Recorder's Office

Foreclosure notices are public records. You can visit your county’s recorder’s office or website to check for Notice of Default (NOD) or Notice of Trustee Sale listings.

3. Use Free Foreclosure Listing Services

Some real estate websites provide foreclosure listings for free, including:

• Zillow Foreclosures (Zillow.com)
• Realtor.com (Realtor.com)
• Redfin (Redfin.com)
• Bank Foreclosures Listings (Foreclosure.com) (some features require payment)

4. Visit Local Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions often have lists of REO (Real Estate Owned) properties, which are foreclosed homes they now own and are looking to sell.

5. Work with a Real Estate Agent Specializing in Foreclosures

Agents often have access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS), which include foreclosure listings that may not be publicly advertised.

How to Find Out If a Specific House Is in Foreclosure?

• Check with your County Clerk’s Office (online or in-person) for Notice of Default or Notice of Trustee Sale records.
• Search the property address on Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin to see its status.
• Contact a local title company or real estate attorney to check foreclosure status.