Finding Non MLS properties

Hello Tammy,
as you mentioned yourself you can set out bandit signs, but there are several other methods. Driving neighborhoods looking for abandoned houses works, post flyers and doorhangers is a strategies also. Foreclosure notices are public record, depending on where you are they may be on line or you have to go to the courthouse and search through books. Searching through the books is actually very little trouble considering how much it cuts down on your competition.
These ideas should keep you busy for a good while.
Thomas

Thomas,
Thank you for the feedback. You def gave me some good ideas, and I will begin to put those ideas into Action.. Thanks again..

Go to moving and estate sales. See if the property owners or family are going to sell the house. Most times they havent listed yet.

Tell the store cashier what you do in a conversation and hand them your business card. Offer them say $500 dollars for deals that close escrow! But definitely try more marketing techniques!

It's illegal to offer more than $50 for a referral in my state, so I say, "I'll pay you $50, if you refer someone to me who buys or sells a house." People do not know what, "...closes escrow," means.

Sometimes (not often) cashiers will let you leave a business card by their register. It's more likely in a neighborhood store than a big box store like Walmart, of course. I leave little colorful cards/bookmarks that are (free to me). They say, "God bless you," on the front, and on the back there's a sticker that says, "Browse real estate listings free: (my web address). People hang on to the cards, because they are a novelty, and I may have sold one house today because of a bookmark.

The sales pitch in the first paragraph above is too long for the stickers on the back of the card, so I use it on fliers, direct mail pieces and in e-mails (without spamming).

It sounds crazy, but garage sales are great. A lot of times, people will advertise them, and you can call without even going, or you can actually go to the sale. If they're moving and selling a lot of stuff, they're apt to tell you. If they're strapped for cash and trying to raise some, they're apt to tell you. A lot of times, you don't even have to ask. Most people want to talk about what's bad in their lives (job loss, being broke, family illnessses).

Take a different route every day on your way to work. sometimes you come across a house that may be vacant or run down. I have come across vacant propertys doing this. Then you need to do your research on the property you find. probates,pre-forclosures. Preforclosures are a good because sometimes people are looking for a way out to start over. You can also help them with info if they want to keep their home. I once did that with a woman who contacted me from a letter i sent. SHe now has her home and though i didnt make anything on it I helped her which to me is a reward in its self.
good luck
Richie

try calling for rent ads and ask them if they have any properties they might be trying to get rid of or take different routes on you,re way home from work or doing errands you never know what you will come across. P.S. we are almost neighbors i'm near ottawa we could possibly network on some deals. P.P.S. welcome to D.G. rich j

There are For Sale By Owner sites, too. I imagine there's even one at FSBO.com .

look for 'owner' advertised properties on Craigslist; also you can check Zillow- click on the box 'make me move' which lists homeowners who want to get out of their house...

Wishing you success,

Thank you for your feedback. This for sure gives me something to work with. Rich, please private message me for my email address and we can work on networking. That would be great. Thank you..

I like the other suggestions that have been posted here. I would also suggest that just because they say they only want properties that aren't listed doesn't necessarily mean that. Keep in mind that investors/cash buyers are looking for good deals. Most of them don't make offers like we do and therefore don't get properties at the prices that we do. I would venture a bet that if you took a really good deal to them even if it had been listed they would be interested. As long as it has a good profit built into it and is something they can work with.

This isn't always true but it often is.

The easiest way is to drive around and look for vacant homes.. Get the address and write a letter to the owner. Find the owner on your county tax assessors website.

Also look for the ugly vacant home in the great neighborhood. Do the opposite of everyone else and you will will every time..