OK, there is no one website to go to, to get all the foreclosures. Most foreclosures, however, do end up being listed with an agent and put in the local MLS, since the banks and the government, HUD, VA, etc all really want maximum exposure in order to get them sold. Even those that are listed on other websites are still listed in the MLS. Once you chose a Realtor to work with, they can set you up with an automated search to help you find the foreclosures as they come on the market. if you would like to look at other sites, then consider going to my website http://www.YourSTLHome.com and in the home search section, there are several links to websites that list foreclosures, including the HUD homes. Please note that with HUD homes, you must use a HUD approved agent (I am one) and the procedures are totally different than a normal resale contract for buying a home (which is part of why you need to use a HUD approved agent, the other part is that HUD wants to make sure that you have someone who is knowledgeable guiding you through the home buying process and helping to educate you along the way).

Bank foreclosures are listed in different databases on line, based on who the bank has their contract with (and some of the websites have contracts with multiple banks). There are very few though that are not listed in the MLS. Again, I have links to several of the big sites on my website.

Please keep in mind several things when looking at foreclosures:
1) as I noted above, HUD foreclosures are not handled like typical home sales. I'm not going to get into the differences here, as quite frankly I don't have several hours to spend doing that right now.
2) when someone reaches the point that they don't have the money to make their house payments, they don't have the money for preventive maintenance, routine maintenance or to fix things that are broken with their home, so the homes are typically run down and in poor condition
3) when there's no money and someone knows that they are about to be kicked out of their home, they will often "salvage" what they can - ie they strip the home of everything that can be taken out and sold from toilets and light fixtures to the furnace, a/c and water heater, stove and refrigerator.
4) by the time the homes go through the system and finally are put on the market, many have been vacant for awhile and have deteriorated further
5) foreclosures are sold "as is". Some will allow you to have a building inspection and walk away, others don't want to give you that right (and the as is contract does not give that right to you, unless it is written in, and if it's written in, some banks will not accept the contract). That means that you get the home with all it's problems and their's no sellers disclosures to tell you what those might be
6) if the home is not immediately habitable (and some aren't) a) the bank won't give you the same type of loan (they will give you a rehab loan instead at a higher interest rate) and b) you may not be able to get an occupancy permit to move in, even it you think it is habitable enough for your needs
7) with foreclosure homes, there may be multiple liens on the home. The sale may clear some of those liens but not all of them. You may inherit mechanics liens, tax liens, etc when you buy the home that you are then responsible for, because they may not give you a clear general warranty dead.
8) HUD homes have a set timetable to be sold in, and the government works very hard at getting them sold quickly. Bank foreclosures however are a totally different story. I have seen a some banks sit on the paperwork for months before they will get back to a prospective buyer on a contract offer (and then to ask for more info!!) while others will process the paperwork in a week. You can literally have a good contract (over the list price) on a home and 6 months later not have an answer back from the bank.

Now, all that said, I have seen some that looked like a rehabber had just finished and walked out the door (guess who got foreclosed on?? - the rehabber who had too much money tied up in the homes and couldn't resell), but that is very rare. I have seen some that closed in a week, but as more and more come on the market, that is actually becoming rarer.

I highly recommend if you are thinking about buying a foreclosure, you find a realtor who is good with them and stick with that person.

You might want to check out this site http://www.ustreas.gov/auctions/irs/cat for IRS tax auctions.

If you would like information on bank owned properties in the St. Louis Metro area, I would be happy to provide that information. My website is http://LetsGetItSold.com

Thanks
Michelle Rottach
REMAX Stars
636 219-5136