Upcoming Foreclosures

where can i get a list of default/bank owned houses?

i read from yahoo answers that you can go to your local courthouses to get a listing of houses in foreclosure. 1. Can anyone clarify if these listings would show houses that are in default? 2. Does it also show a list of houses that are bank owned? 3. Where can I get a listing of houses that are in default? 4. Where can I get a listing of houses that are bank owned? I live in San Francisco. Thanks a lot!

Public Comments

1. I have answered these questions many times and nobody likes my answer but yet it comes back to this over and over. I dont understand why people want to make it so hard on themselves but since thats what your asking for I will change it up a bit from the norm. If you want to find all of the information above you just need to dig dig dig. There is no one set place to go or place to look. If you only start looking in one place you will miss out on other homes. Broaden your horizon and be prepared to work.
2. The listings are of public record but you need to go to the list, write down the properties you are interested in and then take the ID#'s back to the clerk so they can pull the files on each one. In those files there will be the information you need so that you can decide if you want to put in a bid (auction)make an offer(foreclosure or short sale). The bank owned will not be on a list at the courthouse because the lender has possession of the property already. You can find out the bank owned properties in the newspaper in the legal section as well as the classifieds. Most agents or Realtors know of the REO's because lenders tend to use them to sell. The lenders are not in the business to sell properties and will not give you information if you were to contact them personally.
3. Be careful about buying any of these homes. Man of the neighborhoods that these homes are in are doomed to decline. The are being termed suburban slums. Decreased tax revenues and high gas prices are a recipe for disaster for suburbs. Be very very careful. At the very least buy a home that is near to public transportation.
4. tell you what. i do know in california that if a resident is default on property tax for five consecutive years. the state will auction off the property. call your surrounding counties on buying tax lien properties. every county is different. they will give the address, and all information you need to know. go to a chain bank and ask them if they have a list of bank forclosures. my bank advertise when you walk in.
5. 1. County recorders office for default info in default = in foreclosure 2. It will not show bank owned homes. 3. I can't help you with San Fran...ask a local Realtor who has experience with investment property and foreclosures. 4. See #3 Summary: Real Estate is local. Stick with local professionals with experience, tell them exactly what you want, and be open to their advice.