Foreclosures are at an all-time high in this country.
While that is surely devastating for thousands of individuals, it also creates a lot of opportunity.
Because of the large volume of foreclosures currently sitting on the market, it's not uncommon to get homes for 30-60% of their market value.
If you're an investor or someone looking to purchase your home, getting free foreclosure listings may be your best bet.
But how can you sort through all of the online listings and find the truly reliable resources? One of the best ways for most people to get a free foreclosure listing is to contact a realtor you trust.
These professionals actually have access to lists of foreclosures, as well as homes that are close to foreclosing (because the owners are behind on payments) and distressed sellers.
You can often get these listings for free.
You can also stop by your county's courthouse to get a listing of foreclosures in the area.
Foreclosed homes are always posted before they go to auction.
Your county tax assessor will also have a listing of foreclosures in the area, giving you information about homeowners that have liens filed against them.
All you'll need to do is write down some homes you're interested in, do research and make your decision.
You can also access foreclosure listings online, although you should seek out websites that are reputable.
When using these websites keep in mind that, although they may be referring to "free listings," you may only be getting a trial access to their site.
This can be a good thing if you know what you're trying to find or only need short-term access.
If you need more than a week, however, be prepared to pay a fee or go somewhere else.
Use these easy methods to obtain foreclosure listings in your area for free.
Just remember to check into any home you're considering, look for liens against the house and check the home's condition before you make an offer.