{"id":29477,"date":"2026-03-06T04:19:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T12:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=29477"},"modified":"2026-03-09T01:03:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T08:03:53","slug":"buyer-reo-homes-in-my-area","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-reo-homes-in-my-area\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Ways to Find REO Homes in Your Area"},"content":{"rendered":"

House hunting can sometimes feel like scrolling through the same listings on homebuying apps<\/a> again and again. The prices look steep, competition is high, and great deals seem to disappear before you can schedule a showing. It’s no wonder some buyers start looking beyond the usual listings and into real estate-owned (REO) homes. If you\u2019ve been wondering how to find REO homes in my area, you\u2019re definitely not the only one asking that question.<\/p>\n

These properties can sometimes come with lower price tags, less competition, or a little more room to negotiate. The key is knowing where to look and how to spot them before everyone else does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\n \"homelight\n <\/div>\n \n

Find a Top Agent For Your REO Home Purchase<\/h3>\n

If you’re in the market for a real estate-owned home, the process can be a little different from a traditional real estate transaction. Work with an agent who specializes in REO sales.<\/p>\n \n

\n Find Agent<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We researched banks, government agencies, and auction sites to identify the best places to find REO homes. We also spoke with Chris Barnett<\/a>, a real estate agent in Birmingham, Alabama<\/a>, who specializes in REO properties, to help compile this list of ways to find REO homes in any area.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

What is an REO home?<\/h2>\n

Real estate-owned (REO) homes result from the foreclosure<\/a> process, which varies from state to state. If a homeowner is unable to make their mortgage payments, the bank can ultimately foreclose on the home.<\/p>\n

Once the home is foreclosed, it will typically go up for auction<\/a>. This happens in one of two ways: through the local court or sheriff\u2019s office in a judicial foreclosure, or through the mortgage company in a power of sale or non-judicial foreclosure. If the home doesn\u2019t sell at this stage, then the bank will take possession of it, and it becomes an REO home.<\/p>\n

The bank will then work with a listing agent<\/a> to list the home on the multiple listing service (MLS)<\/a>. These types of homes can be a great way to invest in real estate, offering a good deal and a higher return on investment (ROI).<\/p>\n

The latest ATTOM report reveals that lenders repossessed over 46,000 properties<\/a> in 2025, a 27% increase from 2024. Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Illinois had the highest number of REOs.<\/p>\n

Now that you know what a REO home is, let\u2019s answer the pressing question: how to find REO homes in my area?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Real estate-owned (REO) properties can offer great deals for buyers. Here are some of the best ways to find REO homes in your area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":241,"featured_media":55483,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[192,629,635],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29477","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-buyers","category-home-financing","category-auctions-foreclosures"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Find REO Homes in My Area<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Real estate-owned (REO) properties can offer great deals for buyers. 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