Foreclosure auctions represent one of the most visible—and competitive—stages of the foreclosure process. By the time a property has reached the Notice of Sale stage, it has an auction date scheduled, often drawing the attention of experienced investors looking for speed and volume.
But what do the latest numbers show? According to August 2025 data from ATTOM Data Solutions, foreclosure auction activity rose nearly 20% year over year nationwide, signaling a growing pipeline of distressed assets heading to the courthouse steps. For real estate investors, this data offers both opportunity and a reminder: Preparation is key.
The Numbers: August 2025 Notice of Sale Filings
ATTOM reports 16,147 foreclosure sale notices nationwide in August 2025, down 9.43% from July, but up a substantial 19.09% from August 2024. This annual increase suggests more distressed inventory is advancing through the foreclosure process and reaching auction.
State-level highlights include:
- North Carolina: 405 notices, a 52.83% YoY increase, showing a surge of properties headed to auction.
- California: 1,207 notices, up 11.24% YoY, underscoring ongoing distress in one of the nation’s largest housing markets.
- Texas: 2,982 notices of sale, the largest volume of any state, even with a significant month-over-month decline.
- Ohio: 533 notices, up 12.92% YoY, reflecting steady growth in Midwest auction activity.
- Florida: 934 notices, slightly down from last year, but still a meaningful share of national totals.
Why Investors Should Care
The Notice of Sale stage is unique because it provides clarity and timing. Unlike the uncertainty of pre-foreclosure, investors now have a specific auction date. This allows for in-depth preparation, including:
- Researching title history and lien status
- Reviewing comparable sales and rental trends
- Preparing funds, often cash, for auction purchases
For investors who can move quickly, this stage can provide access to volume and speed—two advantages that are harder to capture at earlier stages of foreclosure.
Investor Opportunities at the Auction Stage
Properties scheduled for foreclosure sale often attract seasoned investors. While competition can be intense, there are distinct opportunities:
- Auction purchases: Buying at auction may allow investors to acquire properties below current market value, particularly if competition is thin or the property has unique challenges.
- Speed to acquisition: Auctions can shorten the time between identifying a distressed property and securing ownership, compared to drawn-out pre-foreclosure negotiations.
- Potential IRA integration: Investors using self-directed IRAs may use strategies such as non-recourse loans to prepare for auction bids, allowing them to participate in these opportunities in a tax-advantaged environment.
The challenge? Auctions are typically as-is and cash-only, and investors often cannot inspect the property before purchase. Thorough due diligence and risk tolerance are essential.
State Spotlight: Notice of Sale Activity
Breaking down the August 2025 data by state reveals the diversity of auction activity:
- North Carolina: With a 52.83% YoY increase, North Carolina’s auctions are growing at one of the fastest rates in the country. For investors, this could mean more volume across both urban centers like Charlotte and Raleigh and smaller regional markets.
- California: At over 1,200 auction filings in August, California continues to see steady growth in distressed properties despite a high-priced real estate environment. Investors here may benefit from focusing on ZIP codes where auction activity is concentrated.
- Texas: With nearly 3,000 notices of sale in August alone, Texas represents the single largest pool of auction opportunities. Investors who can navigate its nonjudicial foreclosure system may find volume unmatched elsewhere.
What It Means for Real Estate Investors
The rise in Notice of Sale filings signals two important things:
- A larger supply of distressed inventory is moving toward public auctions.
- Investors who prepare early may be better positioned to compete effectively.
For auction-savvy investors, this stage offers speed and visibility. For those newer to auctions, the increase in filings suggests it may be time to build relationships with local auction houses, county courthouses, and title professionals to understand the process.
The Strategic Advantage of Data
Success in foreclosure auctions doesn’t come from showing up at the courthouse on auction day—it comes from tracking data in advance. Monitoring Notice of Sale filings by ZIP code or county gives investors the ability to:
- Identify where auction volume is building
- Compare trends across states and local markets
- Align capital and financing strategies to auction timelines
Imagine spotting a county where auction filings have doubled over the past quarter. That insight allows an investor to target properties in advance, understand the risks, and secure funds—rather than reacting on auction day.
Take Control of Your Investment Strategy
Auction activity is growing, but the best opportunities may only be visible to those who track data consistently. Equity’s Foreclosure Reports—powered by ATTOM Data Solutions—provide monthly updates on Foreclosure Starts, Notices of Sale, and REO properties—sortable down to the ZIP code level—so you can prepare for opportunities before the market responds.
Subscribe today for just $19.95/year for a single state, or $69.95/year for the entire country. Visit our Real Estate Reports Page and click to view the Foreclosure Reports to start tracking foreclosure data now.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional.
BiggerPockets/PassivePockets is not affiliated in any way with Equity Trust Company or any of Equity’s family of companies. Opinions or ideas expressed by BiggerPockets/PassivePockets are not necessarily those of Equity Trust Company, nor do they reflect their views or endorsement. The information provided by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only. Equity Trust Company, and their affiliates, representatives, and officers do not provide legal or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Please consult your tax and legal advisors before making investment decisions. Equity Trust and Bigger Pockets/Passive Pockets may receive referral fees for any services performed as a result of being referred opportunities.