Foreclosure & Auction Buying Guide
Buy a Home at Auction — No Agent Required
Free state-by-state guide to buying homes at foreclosure auctions, courthouse steps, and online platforms. Skip the middleman and bid directly.
50 States
Covered with State Guides
Up to 40% Below Market
Potential Auction Savings
Cash & Financed Options
Online & Courthouse Auctions
Types of Home Auctions
Each auction type has different rules, timelines, and financing options.
Online Auctions
Platforms like Auction.com and Hubzu let you bid from home. Many accept financing — and some allow property walkthroughs before bidding.
- ✓ Bid from anywhere
- ✓ Financing sometimes accepted
- ✓ Inspection opportunities available
Courthouse Steps
Traditional public foreclosure auctions held at the county courthouse. Cash-only in most states. High risk, high reward — you typically can't inspect beforehand.
- ⚠ Cash required at most sales
- ⚠ No interior inspection
- ✓ Biggest discounts possible
REO & Bank Sales
Bank-owned properties that didn't sell at auction. Listed via Hubzu, Auction.com, or directly by lenders. Cleaner title, often allow inspections.
- ✓ Inspections usually allowed
- ✓ Financing accepted
- ✓ Cleaner title transfer
Search Active Auctions
Affiliate links help keep this guide free. We only link to platforms we'd use ourselves.
The largest online foreclosure auction marketplace. Search active courthouse-step and REO auctions in all 50 states — including financing options.
Search auctions now →Specializes in bank-owned (REO) and government auction properties. Many Hubzu listings allow inspections and conventional financing.
Browse Hubzu listings →Also Useful
Browse by State
Select your state for local foreclosure auction rules, redemption periods, and buying tips.