Foreclosure Auctions and checking for liens

Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes

Hello! My name is Lydia and I am just starting out in real estate. I'm a novice (like "I don't know what questions I need to ask" level novice). I am interested in foreclosures because I feel like I can get a better deal even with all the rehab that will be needed. How do you all go about your due diligence prior to bidding on a property? Specifically checking to see what other liens are on the property. I appreciate any info and advice you all are willing to give! Thank you!

- Lydia

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Doug SmithPro Member

Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes

10mo

Let me give you one way if you don't have the MLS or Realist access. Go to https://publicrecords.netronline.com/. On the map of the US, click on the State the property is in. Then, choose the county. It will open up a list of the Clerk of Court, Tax Assessor, Property Appraiser, etc. I see you're from Baltimore. That is an odd case because it's like a "free city" and there is a separate "Baltimore County" section. The Clerk, where you would look up liens and other filings, makes you subscribe in that jurisdiction. Most counties do not. This is just one tool, but you'll want to bookmark it. You'll use it your entire career. I hope this adds value. Good luck to you! Remember me when it's time to finance your investments!

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Ken M.
Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10mo
Quote from @Lydia Whiteley:

Hello! My name is Lydia and I am just starting out in real estate. I'm a novice (like "I don't know what questions I need to ask" level novice). I am interested in foreclosures because I feel like I can get a better deal even with all the rehab that will be needed. How do you all go about your due diligence prior to bidding on a property? Specifically checking to see what other liens are on the property. I appreciate any info and advice you all are willing to give! Thank you!
- Lydia
Foreclosures can be a little tricky. I've written a guide for that which answers most questions I'm sure. I made my first million doing foreclosures. What you are discussing is getting a title report or title abstract. That's an important step and depending on the state, you will want to talk to a title company or attorney. They usually run about $60 - $100. Or, you can look in the county records and usually get a pretty good idea if it's a safe property to chase for free.
1 Reply
Lydia Whiteley
OP
Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
10mo
Thank you so much for the reply! I'll look into a title company.
1 Reply
- Ken M.
  Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
  10mo
  Quote from @Lydia Whiteley:
  
  Thank you so much for the reply! I'll look into a title company.
  Where are you located and what is your goal?
  0 Reply
- Lydia Whiteley
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
  10mo
  Quote from @Ken M.:
  
  Quote from @Lydia Whiteley:
  
  Thank you so much for the reply! I'll look into a title company.
  Where are you located and what is your goal?
  
  I'm located in the DelMarVa area. My end goal is a little more freedom for me and my family. Not really to quit our 9-5's but to have other assets. I'd like to buy a rental property by the end of 2026 using the BRRRR method. I'd like to have the property in a condition to be rented within 2 months of closing. I'd like to continue to add investment properties later but figured It would take a while for us to figure everything out.
  
  0 Reply
Doug SmithPro Member
Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
10mo
Let me give you one way if you don't have the MLS or Realist access. Go to https://publicrecords.netronline.com/. On the map of the US, click on the State the property is in. Then, choose the county. It will open up a list of the Clerk of Court, Tax Assessor, Property Appraiser, etc. I see you're from Baltimore. That is an odd case because it's like a "free city" and there is a separate "Baltimore County" section. The Clerk, where you would look up liens and other filings, makes you subscribe in that jurisdiction. Most counties do not. This is just one tool, but you'll want to bookmark it. You'll use it your entire career. I hope this adds value. Good luck to you! Remember me when it's time to finance your investments!
3 Reply
- Lydia Whiteley
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
  10mo
  Quote from @Doug Smith:
  
  Let me give you one way if you don't have the MLS or Realist access. Go to https://publicrecords.netronline.com/. On the map of the US, click on the State the property is in. Then, choose the county. It will open up a list of the Clerk of Court, Tax Assessor, Property Appraiser, etc. I see you're from Baltimore. That is an odd case because it's like a "free city" and there is a separate "Baltimore County" section. The Clerk, where you would look up liens and other filings, makes you subscribe in that jurisdiction. Most counties do not. This is just one tool, but you'll want to bookmark it. You'll use it your entire career. I hope this adds value. Good luck to you! Remember me when it's time to finance your investments!
  
  Thank you! I'll check this out.
  0 Reply
Uduak Enwerem
Member since 2025 · 2 posts · 1 vote
10mo
I can imagine how it feels being a novice in a field. Glad some comments here have been helpful, Lydia.
1 Reply
Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
Moderator
Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
10mo
Quote from @Lydia Whiteley:

Hello! My name is Lydia and I am just starting out in real estate. I'm a novice (like "I don't know what questions I need to ask" level novice). I am interested in foreclosures because I feel like I can get a better deal even with all the rehab that will be needed. How do you all go about your due diligence prior to bidding on a property? Specifically checking to see what other liens are on the property. I appreciate any info and advice you all are willing to give! Thank you!
- Lydia

For someone starting out I would suggest staying far away from foreclosures, as what if you find out the property has major foundation issues and has to be demolished and you assumed a $30k rehab? If you are just getting starated in real estate, start with a rental that is near turnkey is my recommendation.
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- Lydia Whiteley
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
  10mo
  Quote from @Chris Seveney:
  
  Quote from @Lydia Whiteley:
  
  Hello! My name is Lydia and I am just starting out in real estate. I'm a novice (like "I don't know what questions I need to ask" level novice). I am interested in foreclosures because I feel like I can get a better deal even with all the rehab that will be needed. How do you all go about your due diligence prior to bidding on a property? Specifically checking to see what other liens are on the property. I appreciate any info and advice you all are willing to give! Thank you!
  - Lydia
  
  For someone starting out I would suggest staying far away from foreclosures, as what if you find out the property has major foundation issues and has to be demolished and you assumed a $30k rehab? If you are just getting starated in real estate, start with a rental that is near turnkey is my recommendation.
  
  Hey Chris! Not being able to get inspections/ tour the property when it's being sold as a foreclosure is quite daunting. I have started looking at properties that are not being sold at auction because of all the feedback I've received on this forum. Thank you!
  0 Reply
- Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
  Moderator
  Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
  10mo
  Quote from @Lydia Whiteley:
  
  Quote from @Chris Seveney:
  
  Quote from @Lydia Whiteley:
  
  Hello! My name is Lydia and I am just starting out in real estate. I'm a novice (like "I don't know what questions I need to ask" level novice). I am interested in foreclosures because I feel like I can get a better deal even with all the rehab that will be needed. How do you all go about your due diligence prior to bidding on a property? Specifically checking to see what other liens are on the property. I appreciate any info and advice you all are willing to give! Thank you!
  - Lydia
  
  For someone starting out I would suggest staying far away from foreclosures, as what if you find out the property has major foundation issues and has to be demolished and you assumed a $30k rehab? If you are just getting starated in real estate, start with a rental that is near turnkey is my recommendation.
  
  Hey Chris! Not being able to get inspections/ tour the property when it's being sold as a foreclosure is quite daunting. I have started looking at properties that are not being sold at auction because of all the feedback I've received on this forum. Thank you!
  
  This is a much better strategy so you can get a better idea of what you are getting yourself into. As a newbie start with the easy stuff before trying to tackle the most complex is my recommendation
  7e investments53 Reviews
  Website View Page
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Nicholas L.Pro Member
Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
10mo
@Lydia Whiteley

hello. a few reactions:

-i wouldn't start with a foreclosure. no need to and much tougher as a beginner as @Chris Seveney noted.

-if you're not going to meetups and networking already, i would start doing so. if you can't find a meetup start one.

-BRRRR is still a solid strategy, but much more difficult than a few years ago. why? less inventory, higher prices, higher interest rates, more expensive materials, busier contractors. the toughest part is sourcing a viable deal.

-2 months is fine as a goal but the rehab will take how long it takes based on the scope of work - could be 1 month, could be 4, could be 6. i just finished a modest BRRRR that took 2 months to rehab and 1 additional month to rent out which I think is pretty solid.
i hope this helps
happy to help further
nothing to sell
2 Reply
- Lydia Whiteley
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
  10mo
  Quote from @Nicholas L.:
  
  @Lydia Whiteley
  
  hello. a few reactions:
  
  -i wouldn't start with a foreclosure. no need to and much tougher as a beginner as @Chris Seveney noted.
  
  -if you're not going to meetups and networking already, i would start doing so. if you can't find a meetup start one.
  
  -BRRRR is still a solid strategy, but much more difficult than a few years ago. why? less inventory, higher prices, higher interest rates, more expensive materials, busier contractors. the toughest part is sourcing a viable deal.
  
  -2 months is fine as a goal but the rehab will take how long it takes based on the scope of work - could be 1 month, could be 4, could be 6. i just finished a modest BRRRR that took 2 months to rehab and 1 additional month to rent out which I think is pretty solid.
  i hope this helps
  happy to help further
  nothing to sell
  
  Thank you Nick! I am still looking at houses I could purchase outside of auctions. I appreciate the feedback!
  0 Reply
Todd AndersonPro Member
Real Estate Agent · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2023 · 392 posts · 175 votes
10mo
@Lydia Whiteley,
Welcome to the BP Community. This is a great place to get started.
I concur with what some of the others said. I would not recommend to a novice to start with Foreclosures, unless you has some special skills or knowledge, like construction, legal or title.
For your first property look for a "base hit". Look for something with little or no work that you can get filled and cash flowing quickly. This will give you the best chance at success.
When I work with new investors I recommend they look at Turnkey. That way they can minimise the risk and get something that will most likely work. I will also recommend looking at new construction. With this it takes one more variable off, maintenance. For most of the investors that I have worked with on new construction, they see very little maintenance for the first number of years.
Get to know your intended market first, then you can look for deals.
Feel free to reach out with any more specific questions.
best of Luck
[email protected]651-492-5652
0 Reply
- Lydia Whiteley
  OP
  Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 3 votes
  10mo
  Quote from @Todd Anderson:
  
  @Lydia Whiteley,
  Welcome to the BP Community. This is a great place to get started.
  I concur with what some of the others said. I would not recommend to a novice to start with Foreclosures, unless you has some special skills or knowledge, like construction, legal or title.
  For your first property look for a "base hit". Look for something with little or no work that you can get filled and cash flowing quickly. This will give you the best chance at success.
  When I work with new investors I recommend they look at Turnkey. That way they can minimise the risk and get something that will most likely work. I will also recommend looking at new construction. With this it takes one more variable off, maintenance. For most of the investors that I have worked with on new construction, they see very little maintenance for the first number of years.
  Get to know your intended market first, then you can look for deals.
  Feel free to reach out with any more specific questions.
  best of Luck
  
  Hey Todd! That sounds like a really good strategy. I'll start looking at properties that aren't just "fixer uppers". Thank you for the feedback!
  0 Reply
Joe Daniel
Specialist · FL · Member since 2025 · 63 posts · 22 votes
10mo
Great question, Lydia — foreclosures can offer opportunities, but the risk is in the details.

Before bidding, most investors check county records for liens, confirm outstanding taxes, and understand which liens survive the auction in their state. Also important: whether the property is occupied and the type of foreclosure.

Taking time to learn the process before bidding real money is a smart move.
0 Reply
Vicky Zhang
Member since 2026 · 3 posts · 0 votes
5mo
Quote from @Lydia Whiteley:

Hello! My name is Lydia and I am just starting out in real estate. I'm a novice (like "I don't know what questions I need to ask" level novice). I am interested in foreclosures because I feel like I can get a better deal even with all the rehab that will be needed. How do you all go about your due diligence prior to bidding on a property? Specifically checking to see what other liens are on the property. I appreciate any info and advice you all are willing to give! Thank you!
- Lydia
Hi Lydia, I am wondering how you are doing so far. I have similar goal as you do. I notice there are bank owned or private seller etc. I wonder if there are some easier or simpler ones within foreclosure auctions that may have less chance of tax lien etc. also some them even offer walk through.
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