How do i properly find a pre foreclosure list in Essex county?

How do i properly find a pre foreclosure list in Essex county?

Investor · Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2016 · 12 posts · 1 vote

Hey guys,

So i went yesterday to the county court house and sheriffs office and both told me they do not have any sort of PRE foreclosure lists that most tell me they should have, they only have those that already have an auction date set. What is the best way to get a PRE foreclosure list in Essex or any other part of North Jersey?

Thank you!

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Jeff CopelandBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Tampa Bay/St Petersburg, FL · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
10y

First of all, properties on the auction list are still "pre-foreclosure". Though I realize this isn't what you are trying to track down.

A quick Google search indicates that to go straight to the source you need to visit the register of deeds and mortgages: http://www.essexregister.com/. 

Many counties have these public records available online now, which makes the search much more convenient (I didn't see an online search for your county, but it may be available somewhere). What you're actually look for homeowners for whom a "Lis Pendens" has been recorded. 

There are also commercial enterprises that will sell you a list: http://njlispendens.com/.

When you get (or compile) your list, it helps to have realistic expectations - you aren't the first person to think of this and you'll be the hundredth person to contact most of these distressed homeowners, of which there are fewer and fewer these days...and even less of them with equity.

Copeland Morgan LLC4.867 Reviews
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  • Jeff CopelandBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Tampa Bay/St Petersburg, FL · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    First of all, properties on the auction list are still "pre-foreclosure". Though I realize this isn't what you are trying to track down.

    A quick Google search indicates that to go straight to the source you need to visit the register of deeds and mortgages: http://www.essexregister.com/. 

    Many counties have these public records available online now, which makes the search much more convenient (I didn't see an online search for your county, but it may be available somewhere). What you're actually look for homeowners for whom a "Lis Pendens" has been recorded. 

    There are also commercial enterprises that will sell you a list: http://njlispendens.com/.

    When you get (or compile) your list, it helps to have realistic expectations - you aren't the first person to think of this and you'll be the hundredth person to contact most of these distressed homeowners, of which there are fewer and fewer these days...and even less of them with equity.

    Copeland Morgan LLC4.867 Reviews
  • Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 231 votes
    10y

    @Shmuli Wilhelm Why not compile your own pre-foreclosure list?  I agree with Jeff above that working foreclosures is a competitive market. In addition to lis pendens you should consider searching for "substitution of trustee" filings with your local recorders office or register of deeds office, depending on what they call it in your neck of the woods. Some of these filings can be an indicator of potential foreclosures. 

    Good Luck!

  • Member since 2019 · 7 posts · 1 vote
    7y

    this is good information, so what do you suggest? I mean it seems all the markets are saturated

  • Investor · NJ · Member since 2017 · 786 posts · 396 votes
    6y

    @Tiesha Mckeithan you can be successful even though markets are saturated, you'll need a strong marketing plan, a point of differentiation and increased effort to make sure that you separate yourself from the competition. Most peoples direct mail campaigns arent successful because they give up on them too quickly, marketing for properties isn't quick, easy or cheap (despite what anyone says) but the right actions done consistently will get you to where you're trying to go.

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