Finding Great Real Estate Deals in 2025
You’ve probably heard it before—the real estate market is tight. Supply is low, and investor demand for cash-flowing properties has driven prices up. In other words, good deals are harder to find. So, what’s a real estate investor to do?
Many claim that the only way to find hidden gems is to search off-market—bypassing the MLS in favor of strategies like driving for dollars, bird-dogging, or direct mail campaigns. While these methods can uncover motivated sellers, they are often time-consuming, unpredictable, and labor-intensive.
But before you invest countless hours into off-market hunting, consider REOs (Real Estate Owned properties).
Why REOs Are a Smart Investment Strategy
REO properties are homes owned by banks or government agencies after a foreclosure. They offer several key advantages for investors:
✔️ Always vacant – No need to negotiate with tenants or homeowners.
✔️ Open for inspection – You can evaluate the property upfront.
✔️ Priced to sell – Banks and agencies want these off their books quickly.
If you’re looking for solid investment opportunities on-market, here are the top four places to find REO deals.
Top 4 Places to Find REO Real Estate Deals
1. The MLS & Bank REO Websites
- Search for “lender-owned” properties in the MLS.
- Visit bank REO websites for direct listings.
- Major banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and CitiMortgage maintain their own REO inventories.
2. HomePath (Fannie Mae) – HomePath.FannieMae.com
- The largest inventory of REO properties, including single-family, multi-family, condos, and manufactured homes.
- Integrated rental estimates from RentRange to help assess investment potential.
- Some homes come renovated with new appliances, fixtures, and flooring through a partnership with Home Depot.
3. HUD Homes – HUDHomeStore.gov
- Official site for HUD-owned properties.
- Each home includes a property condition report, outlining necessary repairs.
- Homes are sold via an auction-style bidding system, with bids reviewed daily.
4. HomeSteps (Freddie Mac) – HomeSteps.com
- The smallest inventory among government-backed REOs, but with less investor competition.
- Some properties qualify for special financing programs with reduced down payments and closing costs.
Ready to Invest? Let’s Place Your Bid
Navigating the REO market requires strategy and speed. If you’re interested in bidding or making an offer on an REO home in Massachusetts, contact us today—we’ll help you secure the best deal.