The most accurate and up to date foreclosure listings are available for no cost. The availability however is fleeting, because free trial offers usually terminate after seven days. Private research firms collect real estate data for resell. The best companies update nightly from nationwide sources. As an inducement to evaluate the quality of their service, these firms encourage all potential customers to sign up for a one-time free trial offer. After seven days, you are not obligated to subscribe. However, if you do subscribe, the monthly fee is negligible.

You will easily find high quality and up to date services that cost $30 to $50 per month. The subscription is month to month, and you can cancel at any time.

If you choose to use a free offer, you should receive full access to the company database, all services, full functionality, and all privileges enjoyed by regular subscribers. Company databases receive daily updates. These updates are possible because the internet awakened local government agencies. Local agencies realized they owned a valuable commodity they could sell nationwide. The best real estate research firms purchase information from all counties in the United States. They download data every 24 hours to insure all information is current.

Nationwide, more than a million homes are included on the most up to date lists. To use these lists effectively, you must have advanced search and qualification tools. The best companies provide a full suite of features to serve each customer's needs.

If you prefer, you may download data. Advanced users limit their searches to their area of interest before downloading. Then, once imported into a spreadsheet, you can include your personal formulas and qualifications to evaluate properties. For example, you could calculate the difference between the estimated valuation and all lien balances, and then re-sort your personal list.

You may use trial offers as you see fit. Try all companies that interest you. The best companies know from experience that you will be impressed.