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HomePath vs Zillow

Saturday, February 8th

2025 Foreclosure Listing Service Reviews

HomePath Review 4.5 Star Rating

HomePath

4.5 Star Rating
  • Free to use
  • Over 400,000 property listings
  • Properties in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and the USVI
  • Options to buy directly or bid at auction
  • "First Look” program gives a head start to owner-occupied buyers
  • Down payment assistance may be available for owner-occupied buyers

HomePath by Fannie Mae is a free foreclosure listing platform offering access to properties owned by Fannie Mae, a major player in the US housing market. The site features over 400,000 listings across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the USVI, with filters to help you pinpoint foreclosures, auctions, and turnkey investments. First-time buyers benefit from the "First Look" program, down payment assistance, and tools for navigating the buying process. While many listings are standard real estate properties, narrowing your search to HomePath-specific options makes it quick and easy to find true foreclosures. With its focus on owner-occupants and comprehensive resources, HomePath is a great resource for foreclosure listings and is one of our top recommendations.

Zillow Review 3 Star Rating

Zillow

3 Star Rating
  • Free to use
  • Multiple foreclosure types (REO, auction)
  • Ample details on each property, including the address
  • Can schedule a tour directly through the website

Zillow is a go-to platform for browsing real estate, with millions of listings and user-friendly features like detailed property data, interactive maps, and the Zestimate tool for estimating home values. While you can use it to access various foreclosure types, including REO and auction properties, it's not without its drawbacks. Zillow's listings are known for being inaccurate, with properties sometimes marked as foreclosures that are no longer available, and pre-foreclosures that aren't actively for sale can make your search results feel misleading. The navigation for finding foreclosures can also be clunky, requiring location-specific searches and extra steps to access important details. While Zillow is a great resource for general home browsing, it might not be the best option if you're a serious foreclosure buyer or investor.

Which Foreclosure Listing Website is the Best?

Finding the perfect foreclosure property can feel like a treasure hunt - filled with potential (and lucrative) rewards but requiring careful navigation. Whether you're an aspiring investor looking to score a bargain or a homebuyer hoping to land your dream home at a steep discount, foreclosure listings can be your gateway to opportunity.

Foreclosure rates have remained relatively low in recent years, with starts near historic lows since the pandemic. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage delinquencies have seen minor fluctuations in the last few years but have still remained far below the levels of the 2008 housing crisis. However, economic factors such as the rising costs of insurance and property taxes could potentially impact the number of available foreclosure properties in the future.

The Best Foreclosure Listing Services Compare Foreclosure Listing Services Compare Foreclosure Listing Service Reviews What are the best Foreclosure Listing Services Best Foreclosure Listing Service Reviews

Foreclosure Listing Service FAQ

Foreclosure is a term that refers to a lender repossessing a property when the homeowner hasn't kept up with their mortgage payments. Essentially, the mortgage holder (the bank, credit union or other financial institution) takes the home back, and the homeowner may lose any equity they built.
Investors looking for a home priced below market rates often look at foreclosures first. But, foreclosed properties are not just for investors: prospective homeowners can also benefit from buying a home for less than the market average price.
Pre-foreclosure indicates that the homeowners have been formally notified that they're in default and that the lender intends to repossess the property, but it hasn't yet been offered for sale. Foreclosure means that the home's ownership has already been returned to the lender. A short sale is when the homeowner sells the property for less than what is owed on their mortgage; this requires lender approval. Finally, if a foreclosed home doesn't sell at auction, the lender continues to own it; this is known as "bank owned” or REO (real estate owned).
Yes, most of the time. That means that if the home needs repairs, appliances are missing, or outright damage has been done to the property, it will usually be up to the buyer to handle that post-sale.
Besides getting a home that may need significant fixing-up, you could face a much longer timeframe to get to closing and keys in hand. You might also have to pay any back taxes or liens on the property if you're buying a foreclosure at auction.
It's not a requirement, but it's still a good idea to consider working with a realtor or a buyer's agent even with a foreclosure. They can protect your interests during the purchase, keep your expectations realistic, and help you understand the process - because buying foreclosed properties can be very different from a traditional home sale.
The most efficient way to find foreclosures in your target area is with a listing service. There are several platforms that allow you to search for properties according to the criteria you prefer, from number of bedrooms to estimated sale price and much more.
That depends on the foreclosure listing service you choose. Some offer a free trial period but then charge you on a month-to-month basis, while others are completely cost-free to use. We recommend trying a free service first, and then consider a paid platform if you don't find what you're looking for with the complimentary foreclosure listing provider.
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Continued from above...

So, why consider buying a property in foreclosure? Foreclosed and pre-foreclosure homes, along with bank-owned (REO) and short-sale properties, are often sold below market value, giving you the chance to stretch your budget further. And, when you purchase from a distressed seller, you might not only save money but also help a struggling homeowner avoid deeper financial trouble, such as bankruptcy.

However, it's important to approach these purchases with eyes wide open. Many foreclosed homes are sold as-is, meaning repairs and updates are likely part of the equation. Be prepared to take on potential costs like fixing structural issues, replacing appliances, or even addressing legal challenges if the home is still occupied.

Another factor to consider is the timeline. Buying a foreclosure may not follow the typical quick-turnaround schedule of traditional home sales. Bank-owned properties, for example, often involve more red tape, which can extend the closing process. Still, for those willing to plan ahead and be patient, the savings can make the extra effort worthwhile.

When you're ready to dive in, the first step is finding reliable foreclosure listings. These services aggregate and curate the information you need, from auction schedules to detailed property data. With so many options available, how do you choose the right listing platform? Consider these criteria:

  • Cost. Some services offer free trials or limited access, while others charge a subscription fee. Evaluate whether the features justify the cost.
  • Data quality. Up-to-date and accurate information is crucial. Outdated listings waste time and energy, so look for platforms with frequent updates and detailed property descriptions.
  • Ease of use. A good foreclosure listing platform should simplify the search and buying process, offering intuitive tools and clear steps for completing the purchase.
  • Coverage. Make sure the service provides comprehensive listings in your target area, including multiple property types such as REOs and short sales.
  • Reputation. Check reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings to see if others have been successful while using the foreclosure listing service. Are there any complaints about the listings or the company's customer service?

To help you achieve your real estate goals, Top Consumer Reviews has done the legwork of evaluating and ranking some of today's most popular foreclosure listing platforms. Using these services effectively can unlock some impressive opportunities, whether you're expanding your real estate portfolio or buying an affordable home for your family. Happy hunting!

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