Check the county recorder, clerk, or land records office for a recorded notice of default, lis pendens, or foreclosure filing
Search the county court records for a foreclosure lawsuit involving the property
Look up the property on the county assessor or property appraiser website for tax delinquency or related notices
Review public foreclosure listings on county websites or local newspapers
Search the property address on real estate websites that list pre-foreclosure or foreclosure status
Ask the homeowner directly if the property is in foreclosure
Contact the lender or mortgage servicer if you have legal permission to inquire
Hire a title company or real estate attorney to perform a title search
Check for auction notices posted by the county, court, or trustee
Look for mailed notices on the property from the lender, court, or trustee
Verify whether unpaid property taxes or HOA liens have triggered foreclosure proceedings
Use a property records search service that includes foreclosure status
Confirm the status with a local real estate agent familiar with distressed properties