How do I find out if a house is foreclosed? (for sale, foreclosure)

[tn2010]

There is a house down the street that has been vacant for quite some time now (6 mths +). How do I find out whether its forclosed or what is going on with the property. It has not been kept up and really making the street look bad.

[kaymurr]

Originally Posted by tn2010

There is a house down the street that has been vacant for quite some time now (6 mths +). How do I find out whether its forclosed or what is going on with the property. It has not been kept up and really making the street look bad.

Try putting the street address in on the search part of har.com . If it is foreclosed and for sale, it will most likely been on har and will say "foreclosure: yes" in the details.

[cheryjohns]

Even if the house is a foreclosure, it will be several months before they list it. It could be at that stage.

[tn2010]

Originally Posted by kaymurr

Try putting the street address in on the search part of har.com . If it is foreclosed and for sale, it will most likely been on har and will say "foreclosure: yes" in the details.

I've been doing that periodically but it comes back with "No Results".

I wish they would do something with it. As it sits, no one takes care of it, grass died off last year in the drought but the weeds seem to get bigger and bigger.

Its a real sight for sore eyes down our street.

[TexasCatherine]

Are you in a community with an HOA? If so, I'd ask them if it's a foreclosure; ours is pretty forthcoming when we ask them.

[jtothemak]

Also if you do have an HOA they can send a notice to clean up the yard if it is in your HOA bylaws which most have. If they do not comply the HOA can mow it and send the bank a bill and ultimately a lien. Some get pretty picky, mine I have to have 9 different type of plants in my front yard and the of course the yard kept up.

[bwdance]

You could do a search on the address on HCAD (or the AD for your county). It may come up with a bank as the owner.

[City Love]

1st sign is the lack of yard maintenance
2nd sign will be postings on the door for the foreclosure posting or notice to vacant.
3rd sign will be an actual lockbox on the door.

Keep and eye for the postings on the door or windows.

If you are worried about the yard. Try contacting the HOA and letting them know about the problem. Sometimes they send their own crews to maintain the yard and then bill the owner. The HOA can file a lien for the unpaid HOA fees and any other fees. They'll get paid sooner or later. An active HOA won't worry about not getting paid, and will worry more about the neighborhood appearance. Besides, they'll get paid regardless. ha

[HookTheBrotherUp]

How about taking care of the yard yourselves? I once had neighbors who were foreclosed on, and my neighbors and myself took it upon ourselves to mow the lawn, trim the hedges. Except for the stickers on the garage door, you could not tell the house was vacant. We even parked our cars in the driveway. Don't wait for someone else to do it if you are concerned about the values of your homes. I also doubt anyone is going to complain that you are maintaining the home for the benefit of everyone; just ask your neighbors to share, take turns.

[piyf]

^If it was next to me I'd do this. Now if it was a street over not so much.