How to Search Title for Liens Online in California

[Stephanie Kordan]

Hi everyone, 

I'm selling my free & clear house in Los Angeles and am in escrow with the buyer. I'll have cash to buy my next home and want to search the foreclosure market in my desired neighborhood of Thousand Oaks, California (Ventura County). 

I found a great house using RealtyTrac and drove by the property today. 

The house will be auctioned 1/12/2021. The sale of my own home will have completed by then and I'll have cash to buy. 

Since the house I'm interested in will be my main residence, I have different criteria than an investor. 

The foreclosure house checks off all the boxes for what I'm looking for -- 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large backyard, in desirable neighborhood. 

I'm searching for more information on the house and want to find out if the property has any liens and other important details, like is the title clear and such. 

If anyone can share their insight on buying a foreclosure and how to search for this information? Do I need to find a foreclosure agent? The cash I have from the sale of my home is everything I have and I don't want to make any costly mistakes. 

Thank you, 
Stephanie