Thursday, March 27th
2025 Foreclosure Listing Service Reviews
Hubzu
- Foreclosure listings in 21 states
- Over 230,000 properties sold
- Free to use the website
- "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
- In business since 2012
As part of Altisource, Hubzu serves as a marketing platform for real estate and mortgage professionals. At any given moment, you can find 3,000+ properties listed on the Hubzu website, including REO, short sales, and foreclosures. But, unlike most of the foreclosure listing services in our review, Hubzu operates via auction, so keep that in mind when checking out the available properties.
Under 500 foreclosure listings nationwide
We noticed right away that Hubzu doesn't have thousands and thousands of foreclosure listings to consider. Even when set to display foreclosed properties in all 21 states they serve, Hubzu only came back with 442 results at the time of our visit. In our two target locations, Nashville had no foreclosures listed and Phoenix only had three.
Site can be glitchy
We experienced some technical glitches on this platform too. When trying to register as a user, we kept getting a message saying that our login information wasn't valid. We had hoped that would let us see opening bids, but we were disappointed. You may need to try several different email addresses to get your Hubzu account set up.
Not for the inexperienced
Because this is an auction service, you should only use Hubzu if you're familiar with both how home auctions go and also with the process of foreclosures: this is not a listing service that's going to be a good fit if you're a newbie investor or if you need a fixed timeline for buying your family's next home. And, even experienced investors could hit a snag here: we found several properties that required in-person bidding, which could be challenging if you want a 3-BR investment in Indiana but you live in Oregon.
Make good use of the listing details
Pay attention to the details in each listing - we know you're going to get excited at the number of bedrooms or photos, but you may also find that it's a cash only sale or that your winning bid is going to require seller approval before you can finalize the purchase. Further down on the page, you'll be able to see the most recent year's property tax history, the price history overall, and the name of the auction firm. You may also appreciate the Documents section; at least on one foreclosure that caught our eye in the St. Louis area, there was a Rent Range Report that would be useful for an investor wondering about the potential ROI.
People aren't happy with the auctions here
How about Hubzu's reputation? The Better Business Bureau gives the foreclosure listing platform a flawless "A+” rating and accreditation, and there were only 12 complaints filed with the BBB in the last three years. However, in other places beyond the BBB, people have some not-so-nice things to say about their experience with Hubzu. There's a common refrain: because the reserve price isn't openly disclosed during the auction, many would-be buyers walk away thinking they've placed the winning bid and will be able to purchase the foreclosed property, only to find out later that someone else was given that opportunity based on a higher backup offer. Some frustrated site users go so far as to call Hubzu a scam, seeing properties that they had won and been denied go back on the auction site within a few days. This comment comes up regularly: "bidding means absolutely nothing here”.
Too limited - and potentially frustrating
Hubzu could be fun to play around with - it won't cost you anything to use the site, and maybe you'll come across a foreclosure listing close enough to you that you could go in person and check out the process. However, with so few listings in some prime investment zip codes, Hubzu comes up short on availability alone. And, looking at what site users have said about the overall experience, it sounds like you'd be in for a frustrating time if you place any bids here.
More Foreclosure Listing Service Reviews
The 10 Best Foreclosure Listing Services
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.
Foreclosure Listing Service FAQ
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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