How to Find Upcoming Real Estate Auctions in Your Area

21 May 2025

If you're into real estate—whether as an investor looking for your next big deal, a first-time homebuyer trying to snag a bargain, or just someone curious about how it all works—you've probably thought about real estate auctions. These events can be a goldmine of opportunity, offering properties at potentially lower prices than traditional listings.

But let’s be real: finding upcoming real estate auctions in your area isn’t exactly a walk in the park. They’re not always advertised like your local farmer’s market or a blockbuster movie. That’s where this guide comes in! We’ll walk you through the best ways—both online and offline—to locate upcoming real estate auctions near you, so you can make moves before someone else does.

What Are Real Estate Auctions?

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s clarify the “what.” A real estate auction is exactly what it sounds like—a property is sold to the highest bidder. These auctions happen for various reasons:
- A homeowner defaults on their mortgage.
- A property is foreclosed.
- Tax delinquency forces a sale.
- Sometimes, it’s an estate issue where heirs decide to liquidate assets.

Real estate auctions can offer some sweet deals, but they’re not without risks. Think of it as a treasure hunt; you have to dig for the gems and avoid the traps. That’s why knowing how to find these auctions is so crucial.

Why Bother with Real Estate Auctions?

Great question! Auctions are like the Black Friday of real estate—you might find incredible deals if you’re prepared. Properties sold at auction are sometimes priced below market value, making it a dream for investors and budget-conscious buyers.

But auctions aren’t just about snagging cheap properties. They also allow you to bypass endless negotiations, lengthy closings, and the traditional back-and-forth drama of buying a house.

How to Find Upcoming Real Estate Auctions in Your Area

1. Check County Websites

Think of your county’s website as ground zero for finding real estate auctions. Many local governments list foreclosure and tax lien auctions on their official sites. Simply Google “[your county] real estate auctions” or “[your city/county] foreclosure sales.”

For example, if you’re in Los Angeles County, you’ll find foreclosure auction details right on their public records page. The same goes for much smaller markets. These sites regularly update schedules, so check them frequently.

2. Contact Local Courthouses

Did you know many foreclosure auctions take place at courthouses? Yep, those stoic buildings downtown might secretly be hotspots for snagging real estate deals! Give your local courthouse a call, or better yet, stop by and ask when the next auction is.

Courthouses often post notices about foreclosure auctions on bulletin boards or in public record sections. While this method is a bit old-school, sometimes going analog has its perks—like finding info that hasn’t hit the internet yet.

3. Crack Open the Classifieds

Sure, print newspapers feel outdated, but you’d be surprised how many auction listings pop up in the legal section of your local paper. Skim through the classifieds (yes, even the small print!) for notices about foreclosure, sheriff, or tax lien sales.

Local newspapers’ websites often publish the same info online, which might make the hunt easier. Who says print is dead, right?

4. Use Online Auction Platforms

Thankfully, technology does a lot of the heavy lifting these days. Several websites specialize in real estate auctions:

- Auction.com: This platform offers an extensive database of foreclosure and bank-owned properties.
- Hubzu: It’s user-friendly and features a mix of residential and commercial properties up for auction.
- Xome: Known for its transparency, Xome offers comprehensive property details.

These platforms often let you filter by location, property type, and even price range, so you can zero in on options near you.

5. Talk to Real Estate Agents

If you’re not already buddy-buddy with a real estate agent, now might be a great time to change that. Agents—especially those with experience in distressed properties—are often clued into upcoming auctions.

Plus, they can offer insider knowledge about which auctions are worth your time and which ones to steer clear of. Bonus: they may even have connections to private auctions not listed publicly.

6. Network with Local Investors

Ever heard the saying, "Your network is your net worth"? It holds true in the real estate world. Local investor groups, meetups, and real estate clubs are fantastic places to connect with people who are in the know.

Many investors have a knack for sniffing out auctions before the general public. Strike up a conversation, exchange tips, and build relationships. And who knows? You might even find a mentor in the process.

7. Follow Auction Companies

Auction companies specialize in—you guessed it—auctions! Many of them host websites listing upcoming events. Some even have email newsletters to keep you updated.

A few names to keep on your radar:
- Williams & Williams
- Hudson & Marshall
- Bid4Assets

Follow these companies on social media, too. They often post updates, reminders, or even sneak peeks at featured properties.

8. Use Public Record Searches

Ever wonder how some people always seem to know what’s going on in the real estate world? They use public records. These records list properties facing foreclosure or tax delinquency, which often end up in auctions.

In most cases, this info is accessible online in the foreclosure section of your county clerk or tax assessor’s website. It takes some digging, but it’s worth it.

9. Listen to the Grapevine

Sometimes, word-of-mouth is the best way to find upcoming auctions. Whether it’s your neighbor, a friend in real estate, or that chatty cashier at the grocery store, keep your ears open for local chatter about properties hitting the auction block.

Ask around—the worst someone can say is, “I don’t know.” But hey, they might surprise you with a lead!

What to Do Once You've Found an Auction

Finding an auction is only half the battle. The next steps involve preparation:

1. Research the Property: Know what you’re bidding on. Look up liens, back taxes, or structural issues that could turn your “bargain” into a money pit.
2. Set Your Budget: It’s easy to get caught up in bidding wars. Set a firm limit and stick to it.
3. Attend a Few Auctions First: If you’re new, consider attending an auction or two just to observe. It’ll help you get a feel for how things work.

The Risks of Real Estate Auctions

Before we part ways, let’s touch on why you should tread carefully. Auctions can be risky. You’re often buying properties “as-is,” which means if there’s a leaky roof or mold infestation, it’s your problem now.

Make sure to:
- Do your homework.
- Understand any fees or deposits required.
- Prepare for surprises (because they will happen).

Final Thoughts

Finding real estate auctions in your area doesn’t have to feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. With the right tools, resources, and mindset, you’ll be one step closer to scoring a property that checks all your boxes—or at least most of them.

Remember, it’s not just about finding the auction; it’s about being prepared when you get there. So start digging into those websites, talking to industry pros, and flipping through the classifieds. Who knows? Your next big opportunity might be just a bid away!