You will find many sources readily available that provide free foreclosure listings.
Most of them are not worth an effort for a variety of reasons.
However, one free source stands tall above all others.
It is available for no cost, online.
The best real estate firms in the county provide online access to research databases.
They include all posted homes pending sale, all unimproved property posted for sale, and a wide range of specialty sales.
For example, they may contain HUD auctions.
They may list local government auctions of property seized for non-payment of taxes.
You may find various government agency auctions you never considered.
These types of auctions are a rich source for fantastic bargains because attendance is low.
The cost for high quality, accurate information is far less than you may imagine.
Competition among real estate firms is aggressive.
This translates into low cost for buyers who need foreclosure listings.
The first week should be free during your trial offer.
Permanent subscriptions are average $30 to $50 a month.
These firms provide amazing research and detailed information for each listing.
Take advantage of several free offers.
County governments publish public records online frequently.
Within these records, you may find a free foreclosure listing.
The information is limited, and is not sufficient for a meaningful evaluation.
Using public records requires a tremendous time investment to track down valuations, perform curbside inspections, and review related court documents.
Although the price is free, the cost is high for a low probability return.
You have other sources available, but they are less effective.
They offer only a limited number of prospects and require more time, driving and wasted effort.
Even though you may not pay a fee, your cost is real and you can waste days saving a dollar.
For example, your county courthouse has a bulletin board for posting notices of sale.
Newspaper classified ads list notices of sale.
Banks gladly share their list of all repossessed property.
Real estate agents list foreclosed properties in the MLS.
If you rely only on these traditional sources, your likelihood of success plummets.