
Foreclosures used to account for about 8% of home sales in Austin, but now make up less than 0.5% and some months 0%. Despite their rarity, foreclosures still attract buyers looking to score a great deal. At Eleven Oaks Realty, we’ve guided many clients through the process of buying foreclosures, and even purchased foreclosures for our own homes. If you’re ready to join the lucky few who manage to find these opportunities, follow this step-by-step guide on how to find a foreclosure in Austin.
Expand Your Geographic Search
Foreclosures don’t pop up frequently in Austin, which means you’ll need to cast a wide net to increase your chances of success. Expand your search to cover the largest area you’re willing to consider living in. The broader your search, the better your odds of finding the right property.
Have the Patience of Mother Teresa
Patience is absolutely essential when searching for foreclosures. With such limited inventory (under 0.5% of total sales), the right foreclosure may take weeks or even months to appear. Stay committed to the process and be prepared to wait until the ideal property comes onto the market.
Set Up Email Alerts
Save yourself time and effort by setting up automatic email alerts. These alerts will notify you as soon as a foreclosure matching your criteria is listed. This ensures you’re always in the loop without constantly having to monitor listings.

Be Flexible with Your Move Timeline
If you need to move by a strict deadline, relying solely on finding a foreclosure won’t work. Instead, consider opening your search to include traditional home sales to avoid stress. However, if your living situation allows flexibility, focusing on foreclosures could be a great strategy to land a fantastic deal.
Master the Art of “Hurry Up and Wait”
Foreclosures in desirable areas at the right price tend to move quickly. When you find one you’re interested in, act fast to submit an offer. However, be prepared for delays when waiting for the bank’s response. While you’re expected to act quickly, banks operate on their own timelines. The key here is persistence and patience.
Get Fully Pre-Approved Before Searching
Banks require buyers to be fully pre-approved for a loan before considering any offer on a foreclosure. This step can take at least a week, so begin the pre-approval process early. Without a pre-approval letter in hand, you risk losing out on the foreclosure you’ve been waiting for. If you need to get a loan to buy a foreclosure, start the pre-approval process before you look at one.

Speak to Your Lender About “Uninhabitable” Homes
Some foreclosures may be deemed “uninhabitable” by lenders due to missing essentials like a working stove, toilet, or heater. Conventional loans won’t cover such properties. To prepare for these situations, discuss rehab loan options with your lender. If you’re clear on the additional costs and requirements, you can still consider these unique opportunities.
Follow the Bank’s Rules Exactly
Each bank has its own rules for buying foreclosures, covering everything from purchase contract terms to managing utilities during inspections. Read and adhere to the instructions provided by the bank for each foreclosure property. Failing to follow these guidelines can result in your offer being dismissed.
Be Prepared to Compete with Other Buyers
Foreclosures tend to attract a lot of attention, even in higher price ranges. To succeed, make competitive offers based on market conditions. Lowballing rarely works on well-priced foreclosures with multiple offers. Instead, focus on submitting an offer that reflects the property’s value and your commitment.
Have a Vision for the Potential
Many foreclosures require repairs or renovations, and some may need extensive work. If you have the ability to envision what the property could be with some updates, you’ll unlock additional options and reduce competition. Buyers willing to take on fixer-uppers often find great deals because they see the potential others might overlook.

Partner with a Realtor Experienced in Foreclosures
Working with an experienced buyer’s agent who specializes in foreclosures is a game-changer. Our team has worked with banks over the course of several decades in different markets. We can guide you through the complexities of the process, craft competitive offers, and help position you as an ideal buyer. We can also connect you with experts for inspections and renovations, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.
Considering Buying a Foreclosure in Austin?
At Eleven Oaks Realty, we’ve been helping buyers succeed in Austin’s competitive real estate market for over 60 years. Whether you’re looking for your first home or investing in a great opportunity, our team has the expertise to guide you every step of the way.
Want to learn more? Check out our How to Buy Foreclosures Guide and visit our Austin Home Buyers page for more resources. When you’re ready to get started, complete our Buyer Survey, give us a call at (512) 827-8323, or email us at info@11OaksRealty.com to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
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