How to Find Foreclosures and Short Sales in North Dakota

In North Dakota, one homeowner's misfortune can be another homeowner's prime investment opportunity. If you are interested in becoming a North Dakota homeowner, take advantage of the sluggish housing market and purchase a foreclosure property. When searching for foreclosures, it is important to know the terminology. A short sale is when the lender agrees to allow the homeowner to sell the property for less than the balance owed on the loan. This is an alternative foreclosure method. Once the bank regains ownership of a property, it is considered an REO property.

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  Browse your county Multiple Listing Service for foreclosures and short sales in North Dakota. The Multiple Listing Service is the source for all properties for sale through a real estate agency. Narrow down the search results by using keywords such as "REO property" or "short sale" to find foreclosures. Specify the desired square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and location. You can also search by price range.

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  Search your local clerk of court website to find foreclosures. Foreclosures are considered public record. The North Dakota District Court Case website also provides information on all foreclosures filed through the court. Since there are different stages of the foreclosure process, properties listed may not be available for sale right away. Look for houses with a sale date. The owner and lender may agree to a short sale to avoid foreclosure.

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  Contact a real estate agent for help locating properties. A real estate agent can provide you with a list of foreclosures in North Dakota for free. Since struggling homeowners seek assistance from real estate agents to sell their homes, the agent can show you properties before they are posted on the MLS. The real estate agent can show you homes and help you submit an offer.

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  Read the classified section of your newspaper. North Dakota foreclosure home sales are typically published in the newspaper for two months before the home's scheduled sale date. The final publication is at least 10 days before the sale occurs. Sometimes there is a viewing period to allow potential buyers the opportunity to tour and inspect the foreclosure property before attending the sale.