Foreclosure Listings that deliver the goods

In the good ole’ days, actually not so very long ago, Title and search companies researched and provided hard copy of foreclosure listings lists to attorneys. An investor or buyer interested in locating a foreclosure property spent hours at the county courthouse researching, more hours scanning local newspapers or bought the list from the same Title or Search companies. Today there is a real choice among online Foreclosure Listings services, subscription based and free, all updating their database from the same sources, many offering services that link up with Multiple Listing Services and FSBO (for sale by owner) sites.

The top listings offer a daily update and stress that they strive for accuracy of the details. They pay attention to customer support and security, after all most will want your credit card information. And last but not least they offer a wide range of other services to assist the would-be new investor, more experienced investors needing access to latest news, and the home buyer keen to learn how to make the most of this increasing market of often very well priced preloved family accommodation.

So how do they work? Expect your services provider to have as a minimum certain details about the property in addition to that you would expect in a Real Estate online listing service. As you learn more about the foreclosure process you will want to be able to search by type of listing, certainly the three stages; pre foreclosure, upcoming auction, and foreclosed property often referred to as Repo or REO (real estate owned). Government owned property such as HUD homes may be listed separately from other REO. You will want the name of the trustee or lender, detail of the default amount and a full address that will allow you to view at least the outside of the property.

The best listings have search features that make it a breeze to find your desired location, such as a nation or state wide map with click-on links and an ability to search by zipcode. Some well established sites offer aerial photographs or link up to new Google map features. Additional goodies may include trend reports and recent average sales value by major city and state, together with % savings actually made.
Choose the service that gives you the special features you need, one size doesn’t fit all, but be sure that a subscription based service can be excellent value.

Philip Smith is the writer of http://www.foreclosuredeals.com. Your Source of Foreclosure Listings online.