The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an amazing resource for property hunting, but it’s not the only one. It’s always better to have more options on the table to open yourself to the best possible offer.
To help you in this endeavor, here are some other ways to find available real estate listings.
Expand Your Networking Pool
See every real estate investor and their knowledge as an investment opportunity. Let them know you’re planning to seek a hard money rental loan to get the conversation flowing and tell them to put out feelers for a potential investment opportunity.
The bigger your network, the higher your odds of finding a close-worthy deal. If you don’t have a big investor pool, go out of your way to expand by making experienced friends in the industry. Seasoned investors can be better than any listing site.
Hire a Buyer’s Agent
Buyer’s agents have the aforementioned networking pool down so well you won’t even have to socialize. They’ve got sources in-and-out of the market constantly scouring county records and contacting people interested in selling property before they’ve put them on a listing site.
In fact, most properties on a real estate agent’s directory don’t even feature on a list—online or otherwise—which is how they earn a reputation as professional closers.
Employ Digital Marketing Tactics
You could always advertise your intention to buy a property through social media ad campaigns targeted to a specific demographic. If that doesn’t reap many rewards, you can dig deeper by focusing on a specific neighborhood and tailoring your strategy for them.
For instance, if the area has mostly old retirees, you could send them handwritten letters and postcards with creative messages. If anything, you’ll be the first one they turn to if they ever want to sell their property.
Look Up Unlikely Online Resources
Sure MLS or Zillow may be official listing services, but they may not be the only ones. Sometimes, owners advertise their property on location-specific groups on social media, like “Brooklyn Selling” or “Staten Island Selling”.
They could also be looking for takers on Craigslist and similar sites for random services. However, these avenues aren’t exactly regulated, so you may have to do a proper background search on the owner before considering an offer.
Participate in a County Auction
Properties listed on county auction bids end up there due to back taxes or foreclosure. They never make it to a listing site and are sold in courthouse bids at a price far lower than the market rate.
However, you need to be well-aware of the costs linked to such real estate because they’re not as strictly appraised as conventional property.
Online Private Lenders for Real Estate at Your Service
After you’ve found a property worth your time and investment, head over to our website to apply for a hard money real estate loan.
If you’re looking for fix and flip funding, hard money for construction, or a home loan for multifamily property, don’t hesitate to approach our team.
Talk to a private money lender today.