Thursday, March 27th
2025 Foreclosure Listing Service Reviews
Realty Trac
- Broad inventory of multiple distressed property types (foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, auction, bank-owned, and so on)
- Free 30-day trial (credit card info required)
- $49.60/month after trial period
- "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
- In operation since 1996
RealtyTrac is one of the longest-standing platforms for finding foreclosure and distressed property listings, established in 1996. Known for its comprehensive database, RealtyTrac provides access to millions of foreclosure listings, pre-foreclosures, auctions, and bank-owned properties across the US, along with helpful tools like market trends, property analysis, and neighborhood insights. Originally a go-to resource for real estate professionals, RealtyTrac has evolved to serve homebuyers and investors as well.
Spotlight is on foreclosures as investments
While you can absolutely use RealtyTrac to buy a home you plan on occupying, you'll notice from the start that this website places a lot of focus on investment properties. From allowing searches sorted by "long-term rental”, "fix-and-flip”, and "wholesale”, to real estate investment tools like ROI calculators, RealtyTrac's foreclosure listings are definitely geared towards investor purchases.
Easy to use platform, decent selection
Whatever your reasons may be for your foreclosed property search, this website is extremely user-friendly. Start by entering an address, neighborhood, city, or zip code that interests you. When we put in our two target areas - Nashville, TN and Phoenix, AZ - we were thrilled to get 61 homes in the former and 559 in the latter. Given that some of the foreclosure listing platforms in our evaluation had zero homes in Nashville and less than 50 in Phoenix, RealtyTrac gets a gold star for "inventory”. The filters are helpful too, letting you weed out any property types that don't interest you (auctions, condos/townhomes, age, price range, and so on).
Owners of pre-foreclosures might not appreciate your interest
Where you'll want to be a little careful is in the pre-foreclosure listings. While RealtyTrac does its utmost to only list valid properties, we found a handful of rants from homeowners whose properties were not in foreclosure and who were actively working with the lender (and sometimes within the legal system), but their homes were listed here; their challenging situation was only made more so by having prospective investors calling, driving by to take photos, and bothering them in other ways. We appreciate RealtyTrac reps' quick response in taking action to remove those listings, though - which is more than some rival platforms do.
Generous 30-day trial period
In order to see the details of a foreclosure property (beyond the address, beds/baths, lot size, listing type, and listing price or estimated value), you'll have to sign up for a free trial with RealtyTrac. You'll get 30 days of access, but it requires you to enter your credit card. Make sure to cancel within that trial period; otherwise, you'll be subscribed at $49.60/month.
"A+” from the BBB, just remember to cancel on time
RealtyTrac has a solid reputation, demonstrated by its "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and the fact that there were only 9 complaints filed there in the last three-year period. Those complaints were what you typically see from any foreclosure listing service that charges a fee: sometimes people had trouble canceling their accounts, but from the explanations we read, it was 99% the subscriber's fault (like signing up for the trial under two different email addresses, and then only canceling one).
Reliable resource for finding foreclosure listings
As long as you keep an eye on the calendar, you've got nothing to lose by taking RealtyTrac's offer of a 30-day trial. You'll find one of the broadest ranges of foreclosure listings, and it's an especially solid service if you're looking at properties as an investor. And, even if you decide that RealtyTrac isn't the right platform for you, most people have absolutely no issues canceling during the free access period. RealtyTrac gets a very high rating from us.
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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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