There are numerous web sites that contain foreclosure listings and vacation rental information. The best sites in each of these categories provide easy access to information regarding location and price. Consumers and investors can use the following information to assist in their search for the right deal.
Foreclosure Listings
Many web sites that contain foreclosure listings are free. This especially pertains to companies that sell all real estate, not just foreclosures. Such sites will list foreclosures as part of a multi-marketing strategy to attract all potential real estate buyers. All of the national companies in this category, such as Remax, Coldwell Banker and Prudential, provide access to foreclosure listings categorized by location and price. They will also, however, provide listing information for other categories of real estate offerings. This can complicate or slow down a search for those who merely want to explore foreclosure listings.
An example of a site that specializes in foreclosure listings is emailforeclosures.com. This free site provides easy access to comprehensive listings according both location and price. They will also send automatic email updates in requested location and price categories. Another totally free website in this category is freeforeclosuredatabase.com. Most other specialized web sites offer free searches for an introductory period, with a nominal monthly fee required for ongoing service. Examples of such websites are:
- bankforeclosurelistings.com
- foreclosurefreesearch.com
- realtytrac.com
Vacation Rental Information
A site that provides world-wide vacation rental information is VRBO – Vacation Rental By Owner. This site provides information to prospective renters, as well as to those who may wish to offer their property as a vacation rental. On this site, and most others, there are no fees other than a small service fee charged to the renter upon payment for the rental period.
Other websites offering world-wide vacation rental information include the following:
- vacationrentals.com
- homeaway.com
- vacationrentalsintl.com
Web searches on Google.com or Ask.com that focus on more complete vacation listings in specific locations can lead to opportunities not available on the international sites. Searches by state, city or region often include a wide range of vacation rental offerings.
Web searches that target local newspapers often yield good opportunities to contact individuals who have elected not to advertise with online vacation rental services. Many such publications have advertising sections for those who wish to offer their property as a vacation rental. Contacting such individuals requires the prospective renter to understand how to completely and safely document a rental services agreement.
Non-rental sites such as Craigslist.com do not verify the landlord or property. It is a site that allows anyone to post, so you will need to do research and visit the property in person.
