How To Find Free Lists of Foreclosures Houses
When I started in this business, I used to get tons of free listing from the local Banks and Credit Unions.
I would simply call their REO department and ask for a free list of the Home Foreclosures and of course they were more than happy to provide this list on a weekly basis. Sometimes by mail, by fax or email.
However as my business picked up and the competition became more fierce, I had to find alternate methods of getting foreclosure listings. So here is a partial list of methods and resources:
1- Place an ad on Craigslist.org or similar free classified board telling people that you buy distressed property and homes about to go into foreclosure. This will probably get you a very few calls. But it's free and will get your name out there.
2- Contact local Real Estate companies and ask for agents who specialize in foreclosure homes. They'll have tons of listed properties in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) that are either in foreclosure or already foreclosed upon.
3- Contact HUD, VA and FNMA foreclosure departments. These numbers are available with a little research on your favorite search engine. Also be on the lookout in your local newspaper as many of these government agencies will place large ads announcing the upcoming auctions of their foreclosed homes. (Here is the direct link to HUD. Do the same with VA and other government agencies: http://www.hud.gov/homes/homesforsale.cfm)
4- Go online and search for "free foreclosure lists". Be aware though as many of these are not real and they'll end up costing you about $20 dollars a month. Many will give you a 7 day free search period which is plenty to get you started and get yourself a route.
5- County Recorder's Office. I can't tell you the wealth of information available for free at your local county recorders office. From foreclosure listings to death notices! Get to know your local recorder personnel and they will help you find just about any information you'll need. I used to spend one day a week at the HUGE Los Angeles Recorders office and have enough data to keep me busy for 2 weeks.
6- Your local newspaper or legal paper will also publish Notices of foreclosure on a daily basis. You can simply visit your library and for 5 to 10 cents a page, make copies of pertinent data.
7- IRS, FBI, DEA and your local police department will also have special department of agencies who will handle seized property information. Many of these agencies will provide you with a free listing of their seized property and auction dates.
Look, the bottom line is that there are more free foreclosure lists and sources to provide you with at least 30 homes to look at on a daily basis. The ONE thing you need to do is to take action. Get your pen, notepad, camera and list together and hit the road.
Many more articles at Foreclosures Property
About the Author
Ed Allen offers information and articles for those interested in learning about investing in Under-Market Real Estate, Seized Property and Foreclosures Houses