How Do I Find Foreclosure Listings Near Me?
Finding foreclosure properties has never been easier—if you know where to look. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer seeking an affordable home or an investor building a real estate portfolio, foreclosures offer significant savings of 15-40% below market value.
This comprehensive guide reveals the 10 best ways to find foreclosure listings in 2026, including free government resources, bank-owned property portals, and professional data services that can give you a competitive edge.
What Types of Foreclosure Listings Are Available?
Before diving into where to find foreclosures, it's helpful to understand the main categories:
Pre-Foreclosure Listings
Properties where owners have defaulted on their mortgage but the foreclosure process hasn't completed. These offer the earliest buying opportunity.
Foreclosure Auction Listings
Properties being sold at public auction by the county sheriff or trustee. Often the deepest discounts, but typically require cash payment.
Bank-Owned (REO) Properties
Properties the bank owns after an unsuccessful auction. These offer more time for due diligence and often allow financing.
Government-Owned Foreclosures
Properties owned by federal agencies like HUD, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, and USDA. Often have special programs for owner-occupants.
1. HUD Homes (HUDHomeStore.gov)
Best for: First-time buyers, owner-occupants, investors seeking government-backed properties
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sells foreclosed homes that had FHA-insured mortgages. This is one of the largest sources of government foreclosures.
How to Find HUD Homes
- Visit HUDHomeStore.gov—the official HUD home sales website
- Search by state, county, city, or ZIP code
- Filter by price range, bedrooms, property type
- View property details, photos, and bidding deadlines
Key Features of HUD Homes
- Exclusive listing periods: Owner-occupants get first chance to bid (usually 5-15 days) before investors
- Below market prices: Properties often listed 10-30% below comparable sales
- FHA financing available: Many properties qualify for FHA loans with 3.5% down
- Good Neighbor Next Door program: Teachers, police, firefighters, and EMTs can get 50% off in designated areas
- $100 down payment program: Available for qualifying properties and buyers
HUD Home Buying Tips
- Properties sell through a bidding process, not negotiations
- Use a HUD-registered real estate agent to submit bids
- Inspections aren't allowed before bidding—you buy "as-is"
- Check the property condition code (properties are rated by condition)
2. Fannie Mae HomePath (HomePath.com)
Best for: Buyers wanting clear title and properties in better condition
Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise that buys mortgages from lenders. When these mortgages default, Fannie Mae acquires the properties and sells them through HomePath.
How to Find Fannie Mae Foreclosures
- Go to HomePath.com
- Search by location (address, city, state, or ZIP code)
- Filter by price, bedrooms, property type
- Save searches for email notifications on new listings
Benefits of HomePath Properties
- HomePath Ready Buyer program: Up to 3% closing cost assistance for first-time buyers who complete a homebuyer education course
- No mortgage insurance required: Some HomePath loans don't require PMI
- Up to 15-day priority period: Owner-occupants and nonprofits bid before investors
- Clear title: Fannie Mae clears liens before listing
- Financing flexibility: Multiple loan options available
HomePath Buying Process
- Get pre-approved with a HomePath-approved lender
- Find a property and work with a real estate agent
- Submit an offer during the appropriate buying period
- If accepted, complete inspections and due diligence
- Close on the property (usually 30-60 days)
3. Freddie Mac HomeSteps (HomeSteps.com)
Best for: Investors and buyers seeking properties in varied condition
Freddie Mac is another government-sponsored enterprise with its own foreclosure inventory. HomeSteps properties tend to include more single-family homes, condos, and townhomes.
How to Find Freddie Mac Foreclosures
- Visit HomeSteps.com
- Search by state, city, or address
- Use filters for price range and property type
- Register for email alerts on new listings
HomeSteps Highlights
- Properties in all 50 states
- No appraisal required for certain Freddie Mac financing
- Often includes properties that need minimal repairs
- First Look Program gives owner-occupants priority bidding (typically 20 days)
4. VA Foreclosures (Veterans Affairs)
Best for: Veterans, military families, and buyers near military bases
The Department of Veterans Affairs sells foreclosed properties that had VA-backed loans. These properties are often located near military installations.
How to Find VA Foreclosures
- Visit listings.vrmco.com (VA's property listing partner)
- Search by state and property type
- Filter for owner-occupant or investor properties
- Review property details and submit offers through a real estate agent
VA Foreclosure Features
- Available to any qualified buyer (not just veterans)
- Some properties are "VA vendee financing" eligible—special financing for purchasers
- Often include properties in good neighborhoods near military bases
- "As-is" condition—inspections recommended after offer acceptance
5. USDA Rural Development Foreclosures
Best for: Buyers interested in rural and suburban properties
The USDA sells foreclosed properties that had USDA Rural Development loans. These are typically located in rural areas and smaller communities.
How to Find USDA Foreclosures
- Visit rd.usda.gov and search for "Single Family Housing Properties for Sale"
- Or go directly to your state's USDA Rural Development office website
- Properties are listed by state with addresses and asking prices
USDA Foreclosure Notes
- Properties must be in eligible rural areas (most of the U.S. qualifies)
- Some properties may be eligible for USDA financing
- Inventory varies significantly by region
- Often excellent values in growing suburban and rural markets
6. Bank REO Portals
Best for: Buyers who want to purchase directly from lenders
Major banks maintain dedicated websites listing their foreclosed (REO) properties. These properties have already been through foreclosure and the bank holds clear title.
Major Bank REO Websites
Bank of America
- Visit bankofamerica.com and search for "REO properties"
- Regularly updated inventory across all 50 states
Wells Fargo
- Access through reo.wf.com or Wells Fargo's main website
- Includes single-family, condo, and multi-family properties
Chase
- Search chase.com for "Bank Owned Properties"
- Lists foreclosures from Chase mortgage portfolio
U.S. Bank
- Visit usbank.com and look for "Real Estate for Sale"
- Properties across their mortgage servicing portfolio
Citibank
- Find listings through citimortgage.com
- Includes owned and servicing portfolio properties
Benefits of Buying Bank REOs
- Clear title (banks clear liens before selling)
- Professional transactions with corporate sellers
- Financing often available
- Room for negotiation on aged inventory
- "As-is" sales but inspections typically allowed
7. County Sheriff Sales and Trustee Auctions
Best for: Cash buyers seeking maximum discounts
Foreclosure auctions are where properties sell to the highest bidder before becoming bank-owned. These offer the deepest discounts but require preparation.
How to Find Foreclosure Auctions
Judicial Foreclosure States (court-supervised):
- Check county court websites for upcoming sheriff sales
- Visit the county courthouse bulletin board
- Review legal notices in local newspapers
Non-Judicial Foreclosure States (trustee sales):
- Search county recorder websites
- Check trustee company websites
- Monitor legal notice publications
Popular Auction Platforms
- Auction.com: Major online platform for real estate auctions
- Hubzu.com: Bank-owned and foreclosure property auctions
- RealtyBid.com: Foreclosure and distressed property auctions
- Xome.com: Ocwen and servicing portfolio auctions
Auction Buying Tips
- Register and complete due diligence BEFORE the auction
- Have funds ready (usually cashier's check or wire within 24-48 hours)
- Set a maximum bid and don't exceed it emotionally
- Understand redemption periods in your state
- Title insurance is critical—unknown liens may exist
8. Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Best for: Buyers working with real estate agents
Many foreclosure properties, especially bank REOs, are listed on the MLS alongside regular homes. Working with a knowledgeable agent can uncover opportunities.
How to Find Foreclosures on MLS
- Work with a real estate agent who has MLS access
- Request searches filtered for "bank-owned," "REO," or "foreclosure"
- Set up automated alerts for new foreclosure listings
- Access MLS through portals like Realtor.com, Zillow, or Redfin
MLS Foreclosure Indicators
Look for listings that mention:
- "Bank-owned" or "REO"
- "As-is" condition
- "Cash offers preferred"
- "Seller is corporate entity"
- "Subject to court approval"
9. Professional Foreclosure Data Services
Best for: Serious buyers and investors who want comprehensive, timely data
While free resources are valuable, professional foreclosure data services provide significant advantages for serious buyers:
Benefits of Paid Foreclosure Services
- Daily updates: Catch new opportunities before competition
- Pre-foreclosure access: Contact distressed owners before auction
- Owner information: Phone numbers and mailing addresses for direct outreach
- Comprehensive data: Auction dates, property values, mortgage amounts
- All stages covered: Pre-foreclosure through REO in one platform
- Nationwide coverage: Access all 50 states from one dashboard
What to Look For in a Data Service
- Frequency of updates (daily is ideal)
- Coverage of all foreclosure stages
- Owner contact information availability
- Property valuation data
- Export and filtering capabilities
- Reasonable pricing for the data volume
Serious investors often find that the time savings and early access to opportunities more than justifies the cost of professional data.
10. Local Resources and Networking
Best for: Building a sustainable deal pipeline
Don't overlook local resources that can provide ongoing foreclosure opportunities:
Local Newspaper Legal Notices
- Foreclosure notices are legally required to be published
- Check your local newspaper's legal or public notice section
- Often available 3-4 weeks before auctions
County Recorder's Office
- Public records of all foreclosure filings
- Notice of Default and Lis Pendens filings
- Free to access in person (some online access available)
Real Estate Investment Clubs
- Network with other investors who share deals
- Learn about local market conditions
- Find partners for larger purchases
Title Companies and Attorneys
- Build relationships with foreclosure-focused professionals
- Often know about opportunities before public listing
- Can provide essential due diligence services
Free vs. Paid Foreclosure Listings: What's the Difference?
Free Resources
Pros:
- No cost to access
- Government sites have accurate information
- Good for casual searching
Cons:
- Limited pre-foreclosure information
- No owner contact details
- Updates may be less frequent
- Must check multiple sites separately
Paid Data Services
Pros:
- Comprehensive data in one place
- Daily updates catch opportunities early
- Owner contact information for direct marketing
- Property valuations and market data
- Time savings from consolidated searching
Cons:
- Monthly or annual subscription cost
- Overkill for one-time buyers
The Bottom Line: Free resources work for occasional searching. Serious investors typically find paid services pay for themselves quickly through better deals and time savings.
How to Evaluate Foreclosure Listings
Finding listings is just the first step. Here's how to quickly evaluate opportunities:
Quick Screening Criteria
- Compare to market value: Use Zillow, Redfin, or recent sales data
- Estimate repairs: Drive by the property, check photos carefully
- Check the neighborhood: Crime rates, schools, market trends
- Calculate the 70% rule: (ARV × 70%) - Repairs = Maximum offer
- Verify status: Is it pre-foreclosure, auction, or REO?
Red Flags to Watch
- Properties with multiple failed auctions
- Extensive structural damage visible in photos
- Declining neighborhoods with high vacancy
- Known environmental issues (gas stations, industrial)
- HOA communities with large assessment arrears
Frequently Asked Questions About Foreclosure Listings
Can I find foreclosures near me for free?
Yes! HUDHomeStore.gov, HomePath.com, HomeSteps.com, and bank REO websites are all free to search. County websites also list upcoming foreclosure auctions at no cost.
How do I find foreclosures before they go to auction?
Search for pre-foreclosure listings using foreclosure data services that track Notice of Default and Lis Pendens filings. These allow you to contact homeowners before the auction date.
What is the best website to find foreclosures?
There's no single best website—it depends on your needs. For government foreclosures, start with HUDHomeStore.gov. For bank REOs, check major bank websites. For comprehensive data, consider a professional foreclosure data service.
Are foreclosure listings accurate?
Government and bank websites are generally accurate but may not update daily. Professional data services typically update more frequently. Always verify property status before making offers.
How quickly do foreclosure listings sell?
Desirable properties in good areas can sell within days. Properties with issues may sit for months. Speed matters—daily monitoring gives you the best chance at good deals.
Can I buy foreclosures with an FHA loan?
Yes, many HUD homes and some bank REOs qualify for FHA financing. The property must meet FHA minimum property standards, which limits options for properties needing major repairs.
Your Foreclosure Search Action Plan
Ready to start finding foreclosure opportunities? Here's your step-by-step plan:
Week 1: Set Up Free Resources
- Create accounts on HUDHomeStore.gov, HomePath.com, and HomeSteps.com
- Set up saved searches with your criteria
- Enable email notifications for new listings
- Bookmark bank REO websites for your target area
Week 2: Research Local Auctions
- Find your county's foreclosure auction schedule
- Attend one auction to observe (don't bid yet)
- Review legal notices in local newspapers
- Identify which auction platforms serve your area
Week 3: Evaluate Your Approach
- Count how many listings you're finding
- Assess if free resources meet your needs
- Consider whether paid data would improve results
- Calculate time spent searching vs. potential returns
Ongoing: Build Your Pipeline
- Check listings daily (or set up alerts)
- Analyze at least 10 properties per week
- Make offers on properties that meet your criteria
- Build relationships with foreclosure-focused professionals
Start Finding Foreclosure Deals Today
The foreclosure market offers genuine opportunities for buyers willing to do their homework. With the resources in this guide, you can:
- Access free government foreclosure listings
- Search bank-owned properties directly
- Find auction opportunities before they happen
- Connect with comprehensive data services when you're ready to scale
The key is consistent action. Set up your searches, monitor new listings, and analyze deals regularly. The foreclosure that makes your portfolio—or becomes your new home—is already in the pipeline.
Ready for comprehensive foreclosure data? Access our database of pre-foreclosures, auction properties, and bank-owned homes from all 50 states—updated daily with owner contact information, property valuations, and auction schedules.