California has laid claim to the number two spot in terms of most foreclosures in the United States – defeated only by Nevada. Los Angeles foreclosures alone have contributed greatly to the state’s ability to rise so far up in the statistics. While the problems for the housing marketing continue throughout L. A. and the rest of the state, now is the best time possible to consult a free foreclosure list and to start investing in good real estate bargains.

First, the bad news needs to be discussed. Los Angeles foreclosures have literally tripled since 2007 when things were already looking bad in the California housing market. More than $2 billion in mortgages have been defaulted on just in the city alone. Clearly, if you pick up a free foreclosure list you are going to find oodles of property ready to be purchased. However, some people may want to skip the free foreclosure list and buy properties at an auction. That is actually not a good move in this housing market.

With Los Angeles foreclosures being so high, the number of auctions has increase dramatically as well. Almost 6,000 real estate auctions have been held in the city between July 2007 and July 2008 – that was an increase of almost 250%. With so many real estate auctions being scheduled, you won’t be able to reach them all and may end up losing valuable property. Plus, you may end up with more troubles than you want, including stubborn former owners who have to be forcibly evicted at your expense.

The free foreclosure list, on the other hand, is one of the best tools for this housing market because it gives an overview of all Los Angeles foreclosures that are now available for purchase. If you’re an investor, you can easily compare the different properties and choose the ones which seem to have the most future potential. The housing market downturn won’t last forever and those Los Angeles foreclosures will eventually be pulling in some steep prices again.

With the free foreclosure list, you can also narrow your search to Los Angeles foreclosures in certain areas of the city. Some parts have been hit harder than others but many of the lowest priced properties are not going to be found in desirable neighbors so you want to be selective when you’re searching the existing housing market.