Key Takeaways:
- Skip tracing public records can get you in front of the most potential sellers in the least amount of time
- Driving for dollars can be a low dollar way to get in front of sellers yet yield a high return on quality leads
- Mail marketing and digital marketing are great ways to generate inbound leads. Working with a professional marketer can help you save a lot of wasted cash if you go this route.
Keep in mind that with every seller lead, investors bring value in solving problems. Not all of these leads will have problems to solve but these will give you a good place to start looking for ways to add value.
Skip Trace Your Next Deal
A treasure trove for motivated sellers lies within public data records. These records often reveal homeowners who may be eager to sell quickly due to various circumstances. Tax delinquencies, absentee owners facing property upkeep challenges, and properties in pre-foreclosure are all prime examples. Probate records can indicate inheritances where heirs might need to sell fast, while divorce records can point to situations requiring a swift property division. Vacant houses often suggest a homeowner wanting to unload a burdensome asset, and liens against a property could signal financial distress motivating a sale.
To access these valuable leads, you can turn to data providers but there’s one hurdle: many public records lack current contact information. Here’s where skip tracing comes in. This process uses a variety of techniques, like searching phone directories, social media, and public databases, to locate up-to-date phone numbers or email addresses for these potential sellers. Companies like Propstream, Batch Skip Tracing, or Real Estate IQ are all companies that sell lists of data like this to help you dial the most potential leads possible. By utilizing a dialer to automate the dialing process, you can reach a significantly higher number of leads in a single day compared to manual dialing, drastically increasing your chances of connecting with motivated sellers.
Driving For Dollars
Hit the pavement and become a real estate detective! “Driving for dollars” involves cruising through older neighborhoods, spotting potential deals with your own eyes. Look for signs that a property might be neglected: overgrown lawns, untamed bushes, or an overflowing mailbox. These could be indicators of an absentee owner or someone facing a burden they’d like to shed. Once you’ve identified a target property, tools like Deal Machine can help you “skip trace” the owner’s current contact information. With their details in hand, launch a multi-pronged approach. Call them first, then follow up with a handwritten note left on the door mentioning your visit. Don’t stop there! Text them a picture of the house and your number, referencing the note. Finally, if you discover a different address, send a postcard to increase the chances of sparking their interest. By employing this comprehensive strategy, you’ll reach sellers who might not be on public lists, giving you an edge over investors relying solely on online data.
Mail Marketing
Mail marketing can be a powerful tool for reaching motivated sellers, but it’s crucial to target strategically. Don’t waste money on mass mailings! Focus on building a targeted list that aligns perfectly with your investment criteria, often referred to as your “buy box.” This might include factors like property type, location, price range, or absentee ownership. By tailoring your list to these specific characteristics, you’ll ensure your mailers land in the hands of sellers most likely to be receptive to your offer, maximizing your return on investment.
Digital Marketing
The digital world offers a dynamic platform to attract motivated sellers. YouTube, social media, and a well-crafted website can be magnets for inbound leads. However, building a strong online presence requires consistent effort. Uploading informative videos on YouTube, sharing valuable real estate content on social media, and maintaining an engaging website with lead capture forms all take dedicated content creation. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and may take months before you see a steady stream of leads organically.
While paid advertising on these platforms can accelerate lead generation, be cautious! Fine-tuning your target audience is vital. Vague targeting might lead you to pay for clicks or ad impressions from people with no intention of selling. Consider partnering with a professional digital marketing expert to ensure your paid ads reach the most relevant audience, maximizing your investment and minimizing wasted clicks.