Making the Most of Real Estate Listings in Your Paper
Often, investors think that real estate listings are not a good way to find properties. After all, people who own properties that are attractive to investors probably do not have time to wait around on an agent. Investors spend lots of time and money finding deals in alternate ways. They may spend time using bandit signs, 800 numbers and offering rewards for information on deserted properties.
But you should never neglect good sources of leads on investment properties. Using real estate listings can often get you better results than you think. You can learn a lot of important things from real estate listings. These things could help you spot a good potential investment.
if they are good, do not neglect free sources of leads. Use the real estate listings to help you target good investment opportunities. Watch out for these telltale signs:
* Houses that have been listed for a long time. - It is possible that the owners are starting to get nervous. However, they may not realize that they have options other than their realtor. They may consider your interest a lifesaver.
* • A house that has recently had the price lowered - People who drop their asking prices are often motivated to sell. After all, why take less money if you do not need to sell at all? A drop in price can indicate that the owners need to get out.
* • FSBO (For Sale By Owner) - It is possible that FSBO owners are getting overwhelmed. They may just be happy to be out of the situation that they were in. Since they are not paying commission they may take a lower offer.
* • Properties that offer “creative” or owner-financing - Creative financing is an inherent risk. It often involves working with buyers who do not have the credit to get bank loans. If a property owner will take this type of risk then they may be a motivated seller.
You can see now how real estate listings are actually a great source of leads. Pick up your local paper and see how many potential deals you spot in the real estate listings right away.
