As a Real Estate Investor, you know that finding deals off-market can be a great way to purchase properties under market value, buy with less competition, and purchase property that needs value-add renovation work. But how do you find properties off-market? Let’s talk through some ways we’ve had success finding off market deals and how you can do the same!

Hire a Real Estate Agent

Many Realtors have access to off-market properties or pocket listings, which are properties that are not listed for sale publicly. Agents often times have connections with other Real Estate professionals who have pocket listings themselves or access to other off-market deals.

When interviewing Realtors, make sure you stress the importance of finding off market investment opportunities and ask them how they have helped others purchase off-market properties. You’ll want to ensure you find an agent who has access to these types of deals before agreeing to work with them - not all agents have this type of experience.

Attend Networking Events

Do some research in your area for local real estate networking events. Attending public events will give you the opportunity to meet others in the industry such as investors, realtors, and property owners. Wholesalers and other sellers attend these events looking for the right buyers for their deals, so this is a sure fire way to find properties for sale off-market.

Social Media Resources

There are tons of groups on various social sites that include buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate agents sharing their properties for sale off-market and looking for buyers. Facebook and LinkedIn are two sites we have had success finding off-market properties for sale. Start with searching your city or state and “off-market properties” or something along those lines, and request to join their groups.

Direct Mail Campaigns

If you are familiar with a particular area or know that you want to purchase in specific type of property, you can consider sending direct mail campaigns. A Direct Mail Campaign is where the investor sends a letter to all the homes in a specific area or that meet their criteria asking if they would consider selling off-market.

This approach can be a lot of work and may prove to have little results, but when done right it can be particularly good at getting you access to properties that are not for sale yet.

Search Public Records

Lastly, try searching public records. Public records can provide information about properties that are in pre-foreclosure or have liens, which could indicate that the property owner may be willing to sell off-market or need to sell quickly.

Once you have created a list of properties of interest, pick up the phone and call the owner or send a direct mail campaign to them. Keep in mind that reaching out to these owners you may find them in a difficult position, so approaching with some empathy and understanding of their situation is critical.

It's important to note that buying off-market properties can be more challenging than buying listed properties. You may need to be prepared to negotiate directly with the seller and do more due diligence on the property before making an offer. Working with a local real estate agent who has experience with off-market deals can help make the process smoother and less stressful.

If you’re interested in buying off-market deals for your next investment, our team has helped many clients make great investments through off-market deals, reach out to get started today!

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