There are many free sites that offer information on foreclosures. The most up to date, but limited to FHA foreclosures is hudhomestore.com.

There are some problems you will typically face when using these sites specifically targeting foreclosures. Often the information is outdated. By the time you discover a potential opportunity on thoses sites they may already be under contract. Even our MLS database (the most current listing reference available out there) sometimes is not reflecting the true status of a property. A bank may have already chosen to accept an offer but not sent back an executed contract yet. The listing agent doesn't change the status update until they have that executed contract.

The best way to keep your finger on the pulse of what opportunities may be out there is to partner with a buyers agent who will do the research and investigate the current status of targeted properties. Should you need such a partner for this great adventure I would love to assist you. Looking at distressed properties and seeing their potential is one of my specialties. I have also assembled a team of extremely talented and resourceful contractors who know how to restore a home to its former beauty on a shoestring budget.

Blessings upon you and happy hunting...
Jan Teel
TEEL Realty
704-641-0267
Licensed in NC & SC

In my experience, ALL bank foreclosures in Charlotte are listed with a local real estate agent. This means that any local website will give you access to the local foreclosures. Using http://www.clthome.com you can see the foreclosures, PLUS you can see if the property was previously listed, and if there was a recent price drop, and how much the price has dropped. You can also contact the agent to view the property. One client last month found a great deal on a foreclosure for $114,000 in Sedgefield -- it was updated, had a brand new roof and other repairs were made already! Plus it had a WARRANTY! Amazing. He was able to close his loan in 17 days!

Hi, MJ,

The best source for up to the minute info on Foreclosures is your REALTOR! To bid on a HUD home or most bank-owned properties, you will need to have your offer submitted by a qualified agent. Since the Seller pays your agent, it doesn't cost you anything extra to get competent help and help you avoid a serious financial mistake. Se my blog: http://www.trulia.com/blog/ellen_doc_stephens_realtors/2010/…

Good luck,

Doc

You can check out two of my websites that list distressed sales.

http://www.charlottehomeshark.com

http://www.charlottecondoshark.com

You can actually go to my website and look to the right side of the platform to "search foreclosures". Let me know if I can be of any assistance! I have attached my website link. Thanks and good luck!

Thank you for your question about finding foreclosures without getting scammed by subscription based services. Please be advised that lenders list REO properties on their websites, Chase and Fannie Mae, and good local agents can provide you with a list.

Hi Mj, the site http://www.BanktownForeclosures.com has all types of info about searching for, purchasing and listings of foreclosures in the Charlotte market including a search feature. Happy hunting!

Have you had enough answers to your search question? I am pleased to see how many realtors are willing to help you already. If you aren't satisfied yet, please feel free to contact me. Bruce Moyer

Here are some great websites:

http://www.realtor.com

http://www.gohoming.com

But I would strongly encourage you to seek out a Real Estate professional to receive the best up-to-date information

MJ,

We have a fast and easy foreclosuere search on our website at http://PumaHomes.com. Enjoy your foreclosure search!

MJ,

Fannie Mae foreclosures:
homepath.com
Freddie Mac foreclosures:
homesteps.com
HUD foreclosures:
hudhomestore.com
One site that ties those in plus all other banks with tons of free information about Charlotte:
EricLayneRealEstate.com

Thanks!

Mj,

You have got all the expert advises, I would also suggest you to go to Hudpemco.com, which is all Hud ownes properties, there was some delay in the NC. closing process but now they are trying to move fast.
some websites are not update with the current properties so you should contact a Realtor who can guide and suggest you the right process and remember if you are a buyer then you don't pay any commission.

Although you can do a lot of the searching yourself, it is best to find an agent you trust and work with them. Some people have watched the newspapers and followed the home all the way to listing only to then contact an agent to submit their offer. There are lots of "buys" out there right now and interest rates are on the rise. So contact an agent and let them do the research for you.

Mj,

The best source for free information is likely through a local real estate professional. You will also find this information, in most cases to be the most current and accurate a well.

Contact an agent for their assistance.

Bill

MJ,

I think your best bet is to have an agent create a custom search on the MLS for you. There's no cost to you and, with the right agent, you don't even have to provide your phone number.

Bill

mj,

You have gotten a mixed array of answers so far. I do not know of any one site that lists all the foreclosures for an area that is free or up to date. The problem is you have HUD which has a site devoted to their foreclosures you can browse for free. then you have a site for Fannie Mae and a separate site for Freddie Mac that list their homes for sale. Then there are homes listed directly from the banks and the VA that necessarily are on any one specific site. If you are receiving information that says you can get a free list of foreclosed homes...that may be true. however; you do not know if and when they will go on the market or what they are going to ask for it. Soem get sold at the court house steps to investors and others I have seen the bank sit on for 6 months to a year before placing them on the market.

The best adivse I can give you is to find a realtor you are comfortable dealing with. Give that realtor you criteria for what you want in a home and price range. If you have specific location or areas you want to look at also. have thems set you up on the multiple listing service to automatically send you all listings daily that meet your criteria. For one, it is free, and you do not pay the realtor. The best part is the seller (be it the bank or a home owner pays the realotr at closing).

You get the listings and the proefessional help of a Realtor to help answer yur questiosn throughout the process..

MJ.,
What of any value is offered for free? Mecklenburg Times is an excellent source for pre-foreclosure and foreclosure. I suggest that you subscribe on-line or with the newspaper delivery if you want to be a good distressed property. I agree with the advice given already to work with a realtor.
Most of the websites are information aggregators from tax records, etc. When you are talking about distressed properties or atypical sales, you should consider short sales, REO's, relocation houses, estate houses as well. Your realtor can show you the big picture of how to buy, where to buy, and when to buy the right house for you. Don't forget that location and floor plan are just as important as price and condition.

Check The Truloa site and click Buy, and then search for homes by selecting the Foreclosure criteria.

It is for free.

Also go to http://www.realtor.com

Good luck.
Perry

http://www.gohoming.com
http://www.treonet.com

Homessoldbydan.com

Access to everything.