Finding Real Estate Investment Deals
By Michael Russell

If you have been watching any late night television, you have probably seen the infomercials about investing in real estate. Those commercials make it seem very easy just to go out the next day and start making deals. It isn't that easy, but you will find deals no matter where you live and what market you are looking at. The key is to apply multiple methods to get leads. Here are some tips to finding those deals.

Think like a realtor. What does this mean to a real estate investor? When you check your mail, do you often find postcards in there from local realtors, even though you aren't selling your home? Realtors will blanket an area with postcards in the hopes that they will get someone to call who wants to sell a house, buy a house or knows someone who does. You can purchase mailing lists for any zip code. You might try an area that tends to have a lot of foreclosures. Don't forget to send them to any parties going through a divorce or probate. All of this is public knowledge. Send out postcards to these people. You may get an answer from the owner, or the owner may know someone else who is in foreclosure and needs assistance.

Use your phone. Many investors are afraid to call up people who are in foreclosure. This is a difficult task, but a phone call is more personal than a postcard or letter. Be prepared to be hung up on and be given some verbal abuse, but remember, these home owners are going through a very rough time and it may take a few minutes for them to calm down and speak with you rationally. If you can get a home owner on the phone, you are more likely to set up an appointment to talk with them in person than sending just a post card. You can mail the post card first, then follow up with a phone call. You want to let the home owner know you are an investor and can help them out quickly.

Newspaper ads. Ads are actually one of the more inexpensive ways to reach a lot of people. The trick is writing the ad itself. You will often see ads that say "I buy houses", but there are so many with this header that yours will never be read. Think like a homeowner in trouble - what is it that they need? Money. So try placing your classified ad under the "money to lend" category. That is where people look who are facing some financial trouble.

Don't overlook just knocking on someone's door! You can get information from the courthouse on people who are in foreclosure, filing bankruptcy or going through divorce. Go up and ask the owner if they are interested in selling their home to you as an investor. Let them know that you can help them out. Since many real estate investors are afraid to talk to people face to face, this is a very effective way to get a deal done.

Investing in real estate can be rewarding. Not only will it help you financially, but you can also help others in need of assistance. So get out there and find those deals!

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Investing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell


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