How to Check if a House Is in Foreclosure
Uncover the financial status of any property. This guide reveals how to verify if a house is in foreclosure using official records and other trusted methods.
Understanding the foreclosure status of a property can be important for various reasons, whether you are a prospective buyer seeking investment opportunities, a concerned neighbor, or a current owner monitoring your property’s status. The process of identifying a property in foreclosure involves navigating public records and understanding the specific documents that signify this legal action. Accessing this information requires a methodical approach, utilizing various resources to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Information Needed for Your Search
Gathering specific property details is beneficial before starting a foreclosure status search. The full property address (street, city, state, zip code) is the most direct identifier. Knowing the property owner’s name can also aid in locating records, as many public databases allow name searches.
A crucial identifier for property records is the Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), sometimes called a Parcel ID or Tax ID. This unique numerical code is assigned to each plot of land by the local tax assessor’s office for identification and property tax purposes. Using the APN can streamline searches across different public record systems.
Understanding the types of official documents involved in the foreclosure process is also helpful. A “Notice of Default” (NOD) is typically the first public record filed in a non-judicial foreclosure, signaling that a borrower has missed payments and is in default on their loan obligations. In judicial foreclosures, a “Lis Pendens” (Latin for “suit pending”) is filed, indicating that a lawsuit, such as a foreclosure action, has been initiated concerning the property. Subsequent documents include a “Notice of Trustee’s Sale” or “Sheriff’s Sale,” announcing the public auction. A “Foreclosure Deed” then transfers ownership after the process, typically to the lender or highest bidder.
Accessing Public Records Online
Online public records are a primary starting point for checking foreclosure status. Most county recorder or clerk websites provide search portals where users can look up property information. These sites typically allow searches by property address, owner name, or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). Common search terms to use on these websites include “property records,” “official records,” or “recorded documents.”
Beyond property-specific records, county court websites often host civil dockets that list active lawsuits. These databases can be searched by the property owner’s name (as the defendant) or, if available, a case number, to identify foreclosure filings such as a Lis Pendens. While many public access portals are free, some advanced search features might require registration.
Several third-party real estate websites also compile foreclosure listings. While these platforms can be a convenient starting point, it is crucial to verify any information found on them with official county records. These sites may sometimes contain outdated or inaccurate data, and their listings might include properties in pre-foreclosure that may not proceed to an actual sale. When searching online, consider using various spellings or partial addresses to broaden results.
Accessing Public Records In Person
For a comprehensive search or when online records are limited, visiting government offices in person remains a reliable method. The County Recorder’s Office, sometimes called the County Clerk or Register of Deeds, is where documents affecting real property are officially recorded. Staff can assist you in navigating records or using public terminals to search for documents like Notices of Default, Notices of Trustee’s Sale, or Foreclosure Deeds.
Similarly, the Clerk of Courts Office, located at the county courthouse, maintains civil court records. This is where you would search for judicial foreclosure filings, such as a Lis Pendens. Court staff can guide you in accessing civil dockets and retrieving relevant court documents. Fees for obtaining copies of documents are generally nominal, often ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per page.
When visiting these offices, it is advisable to bring all the information you have gathered, including the property address, owner’s name, and the Assessor’s Parcel Number. Being polite and clear with staff about your search objectives can facilitate the process. Understanding the office’s record-keeping system, whether it’s microfiche, digital, or paper-based, will help you efficiently locate the necessary documents.
Other Ways to Confirm
Beyond direct public record searches, several alternative methods can help confirm a property’s foreclosure status. If appropriate, asking the property owner directly can provide insight, though this requires sensitivity.
For homeowners facing financial difficulties, contacting their lender directly is an option to discuss their mortgage status and potential foreclosure prevention programs. However, this avenue is generally not available for third parties seeking information about another person’s property. Lenders are bound by privacy regulations and will not disclose borrower information to unauthorized individuals.
Engaging a professional can be a highly effective way to obtain accurate and comprehensive information. A real estate attorney or title company possesses specialized expertise and access to non-public databases. These professionals can perform thorough title searches, identify liens, and provide a clear picture of the property’s legal standing, including active foreclosure proceedings.