Find Motivated Sellers - Are you a Hunter or a Farmer?

The hunter tracks and tracks his animals hoping to get the kill. The farmer carefully plants his seed, waters, works, and feeds until in a few weeks he reaps the bounty of his efforts. Finding motivated sellers involves methods used by both hunters and farmers. The only difference is the bounty reaped.

A hunter learns the traits of the animal he’s hoping to catch. He studies his target in every manner, how and where the target feeds, rests, plays, and travels. By learning the life habits, the hunter is better able to predict the best place to track and kill his target.

The same is true for finding motivated sellers. If you become aware of the main motivations for sellers, when and where they hope to sell, and how they pursue the sell, then you’re the hunter of motivated sellers. Are they being transferred to another location, do they need quick cash, are they approaching foreclosure, are taxes owed that can’t be paid…these are all reasons for motivations to sell.

A farmer’s growing season is divided into three segments. First, they prepare the ground and plant the seeds. Secondly, once the seeds have sprouted the farmer then makes sure there’s adequate food and water to ensure proper growth during the growing season. Thirdly, once the growing season nears its end, the harvesting of the fruits of planting begins.

Successful investment in real estate involves much the same methods as hunters and farmers. Your seller must be motivated. The motivation if strong enough ensures you get the deal you’re after. Finding these types of deals can be accomplished by taking a few tips from farmers and hunters.

As a hunter, frequent the areas of motivated sellers. The newspaper can provide you with many leads. For Sale by Owner ads and Tax and Estate Sales are always listed in the newspaper. Placing your own newspaper ad letting others know you’re in the market of buying is another good method to finding motivated sellers.

As a farmer, plant the seeds by talking with real estate agents. These people know the market. They know the area, and how to spot the best properties at the best prices. Once they know you’re in the market, they will keep you alerted to any possible deals they may have.

The keys to hunting and farming motivated sellers is to be aware of the reasons for motivation, and to frequent the same areas as the sellers, i.e. Real estate agents, newspapers, signs, and the MLS are all good sources to investigate. A good hunter will always keep his eyes and ears open. A good farmer reaps the benefits of his efforts. Get started today to reap your own benefits.

To claim your FREE CD filled with 7-Golden Secrets to find motivated sellers please visit http://www.howtofindmotivatedsellers.com/

Free CD Reveals The Secrets To Finding Motivated Sellers

"The Success Engineer" Srini Saripalli has recorded a Free CD for Real Estate Investors ... Titled "The 7 Golden Secrets To Finding Desperate, Eager & Highly Motivated Sellers" this audio CD is poised to become the ultimate resource for real estate investors who are seeking motivated sellers.

(PRWEB) September 7, 2007 -- With a desire to help Entrepreneurs, Marketers & Real Estate Investors, "The Success Engineer" Srini Saripalli has recorded an audio CD that is filled with his seven golden offline & online techniques to target motivated sellers.

Finding motivated sellers is not difficult after all. There are many marketing tools, books and learning resources on the subject of 'how to find motivated sellers' that are currently available for real estate investors. They all are good. But this CD provides a different perspective on how to find and target them. While the techniques are relevant, it emphasizes the need for a strategy, consistency and creativity for better marketing results on behalf of investors.

The CD avoids hype and is filled with precise and to the point strategies. Any real estate investor can use them to attract all kinds of motivated sellers with minimal time, money investment & effort. This CD is currently offered for free for a limited time and comes with $467 bonuses

For further information and to claim your free copy visit www.howtofindmotivatedsellers.com

About Srini Saripalli:

Srini Saripalli is a technologist, marketer & Investor. Referred by many as "Success Engineer", Srini specializes in creating innovative yet simple business optimization strategies that deliver success to his customers. He shares his real estate investing techniques on www.InvestorFortune.com and success principles on www.srinisaripalli.com.
###

Find Motivated Sellers with Direct Mail: does it really work?

The answer is big YES.

I come across investors on a daily basis who struggle with direct mail campagins. In deed I struggled with it for a long time, before finding the secret.. and that secret is very simple

Consistency

The more you mail, the more you can test.

The more you test, the more you will be effective

Yes indeed it will take time, it will take money, it will test your patience.

There are so many solutions in the market on how to overcome this challenge if you want to really learn?

I precisely talk about this technique on my CD. While the technique has been around a while. I explain how I approach this in a different manner.

Here is the link to the CD. Its completely FREE and you can get it now, while I have it.

http://www.HowToFindMotivatedSellers.com

Cheers!
Srini Saripalli

Marketing Real Estate Over Internet

The internet has opened up a world of possibilities when it comes to real estate marketing. Nowadays, just about anybody, can do a search on the MLS to find a property from their home computer. They don’t have to pound the pavement, read the Sunday paper, or even talk to a real estate agent! It is estimated that are more than half a million websites online right now tailored towards the real estate market. This internet boom has made some millions of dollars, and has left some of the more traditional real estate agents in the dust.

So the question lies, have you jumped on the internet bandwagon yet? There is a new breed of real estate agent out there. Individuals that make their living solely based on internet traffic. They know the ins and outs of the internet marketing boom, and are using it to get rich. And it’s up to you, to get with the times or be left behind.

What is Virtual Marketing?

Gone are the days of the sales office. Buyers used to drop in to view the available properties and discuss their options with their realtor. Print advertisements and direct mail ruled the day, and there was nothing more important that a good looking business card. Now, potential buyers will email their realtor and browse and view properties all online. They may never even see their real estate agent until they are ready to close the deal.

So you have to adjust your way of thinking. Instead of one-on-one services, and features tailored towards your clients you need to think about speed and ease of use. What does your virtual client need to make their home buying experience easier and more efficient? Each and every property should now be listed online. No EXCUSES! The MLS has made this even easier- and it is essential that you list your properties on the online MLS for maximum exposure. Once you do this, many other realtors will pick up your listings and advertise them on their own sites. Which means free exposure for you.

Things to Consider

When marketing to the online crowd, there are a few things that matter more than others. Branding is done in the form of email addresses and website addresses. You want to choose a brand that is easily remembered and entered into a computer. Avoid hard to spell words, dashes, and long web address. Something as simple as Isellhouses.com can make a big impact on your bottom line. Once these are in place, you can begin to target the online consumer. Buying email lists is a quick and easy way to reach a large group of people quickly, while word of mouth and search engine submissions will help you make an impact over the long haul. Don’t forget to include your website address and email address on every piece of print advertisement that you do, including your business cards.

Web Design

A nice looking website is a must for any real estate marketing campaign. You can try your hand at creating your own site with the use of “What you see, is what you get” (WYSIWYG) editors like Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dream weaver, or you can hire a designer to do the job for you. Web templates are another inexpensive way to get a website up and running with little or no technical knowledge. No matter who makes the site- make sure that it is easy to use and pleasant to look at. Adding in virtual tours and search features are another way to bring in more customers and sell more homes.

Think Outside of the Box

Another big trend when it comes to real estate marketing online has to do with social bookmarking. Blogs and interactive sites like Myspace.com are becoming increasingly popular for certain demographics. Most of them are free to use- so all you have to do is invest a little bit of time and energy into getting them up and running.

Experiment!

Real estate marketing on the internet is still a fairly new thing, so experiment and find out what works and what doesn’t for you.

Finding Motivated Sellers: How About Fsbo's?

Often times it is difficult to know exactly where the motivated sellers are in a market. While there are tricks to the trade to finding them, there is none easier than the “for sale by owner: property. These sellers are often highly motivated, so much so that they know that they will likely end up selling for less than they normally would if they waited around for a realtor to sell their home.

There are a few reasons why an owner chooses to sell their home without the help of a realtor. First of all, a certain percentage often 3% of the sale is given over to the realtors for commission. If the owner does it themselves, they may be able to pocket several thousand dollars. They may also believe that selling the home themselves will sell it quicker. Whatever the reason- such an opportunity could mean big bucks for you as a buyer, if you play your cards right. So then the question becomes: how to do I find the “for sale by owner” seller and how do I go about making the most out of this opportunity.

Finding properties

The first and probably biggest hurdle that you are going to have to overcome, is finding “the for sale by owner” properties. The internet is going to be your best weapon here. While there are a host of websites that offer access to these properties for a monthly or one time fee, you can probably find most of them through online forums and e-zines. Craigslist is one such website that offers its user’s free access to post and respond as needed. So begin your search there. Try doing a search on a search engine for “for sale by owner” properties in your area to see what else you come up with.

Another tried and true method is to drive around looking for yard signs. If there is a hand written sign that is usually a good indication of an FSBO, while other properties will have signage that specifically states that it is a “for sale by owner” deal. When in doubt, call.

The MLS can be another tool that some “for sale by owner” sellers use. Check with your real estate agent to find out what they can do to make your search a little bit easier. And always remember, when looking for motivated sellers- it never hurts to ask!

Making a deal

Once you find a property that is of interest, it’s time to start playing “let’s make a deal.” One of the good things about a “for sale by owner” property is that nobody is there whispering in the sellers ear to hold out for more. While they may be experienced in real estate and understand fair market value and the current state of the real estate market, they could just as easily not be. So you end up gambling. It is also important to remember that the fair market value of a home takes into account the fees associated with selling and marketing that property. So deduct anywhere from 10-15 thousand since they don’t have to pay commission on their “for sale by owner” property. This in and of itself means an instant savings for you!

Potential Downfalls

While the “for sale by owner” property could be a goldmine there are some problems that could arise from such a transaction. First off, you may find a seller that takes each and every offer emotional. Without a realtor to keep them abreast of the market, they may ask for more than the home is actually worth. The buying process can also be complicated without the help of a trained professional. So make sure to do your homework beforehand to get the best deal possible.

All the details

“For sale by owner” properties can be a good deal if you do your research beforehand. Invest a little bit of time getting a feel for the market and the properties available, and you could end up making a killing. Good luck and happy hunting!

Finding Motivated Sellers: The Power Of A Good Newspaper Advertisement

Finding a motivated seller is like Christmas in July! Not only can you save thousands of dollars, but the sale will usually go through quicker than a traditional real estate transaction. The key is finding the motivated sellers in the market, and then connecting with them. While you have dozens of options when it comes to reaching potential sellers, some of them are better than others.

One of the best tried and true methods to finding the motivated sellers in your market is through the newspaper. Once you know the format and wording to use, the rest is just details. So set aside a few minutes of your time, to learn what works and what doesn’t when it comes to print ads.

Print Ad or Classified?

The type of ad you take out depends on the type of motivated seller that you are trying to find. High end properties may react better to print or graphic ads, while low end properties may respond to classified ads. Your budget is the main concern however, when it comes to placing a newspaper ad. A print ad can run a thousand dollars or more, while a classified advertisement can cost less than $50. My suggestion would be to first try a classified advertisement and see what kind of response you get. Many times one classified ad is all you need to find a plethora of motivated sellers.

The Format

The main goal of any advertisement is to get the phone to ring. You want to find motivated sellers- bottom line. Many will clutter up advertisements with too many details and graphics, when all you really need is a catchy headline and a few key details. Classified ads only need be a few sentences max, while a print ad should have a clear picture of a home and a few key phrases. Simplicity is the best way to go! If you can afford color- choose a bright red title that will grab the reader’s attention.

The size of the ad may also have an effect on your ability to find motivated sellers. Bigger is usually better, but you will want to experiment with this as well.

Timing is Everything!

Having a good understanding of the real estate market will help you plan your next move. Once you know if it’s a buyer or a sellers market, you can begin to advertise accordingly. When you place your newspaper advertisement is just as important. Generally speaking, weekend editions have a higher readership. So if you can afford to advertise in the Saturday and Sunday paper, that is your best bet. You may also be able to find motivated sellers in the daily paper- so try out both to find out what works best for you and your city.

Consistency is Key

A one time advertisement isn’t likely to find many motivated sellers. The more advertisements that you place, the more likely that you will get the response that you need. So place ads daily or weekly for the maximum exposure. Even if the reader isn’t looking to sell right now, they may be in the market to do so a week or a month from now. The more people that know that you are looking for property – the more likely you are to find motivated sellers.

In Summary

Newspaper advertisements can be a great way to find sellers – if you understand how to do it correctly. It may take a little bit of trial and error, but soon you will begin to notice patterns. Certain headlines and wording will get you more phone calls then others – so pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Doing a bit of research beforehand and knowing what has worked for other buyers can help you find the greatest number of motivated sellers with the least amount of money spent.

Happy hunting!

To claim your FREE CD filled with 7-Golden Secrets to finding motivated sellers please visit http://www.howtofindmotivatedsellers.com/ and get 2 months FREE charter membership to investorfrortune.com

“I Buy Ugly Houses”- And Other Tactics That Can Help You Find Motivated Sellers!

There is nothing better than finding that perfect deal. Whether you are new to the real estate business or an old pro, finding a motivated seller is like winning the lottery. If you play your cards right, you can find a home for far less than the market value. The trick is to figure out how to find the motivated sellers. Working with a real estate agent is your first step to finding motivated sellers. They understand the market and can help you spot the best properties and advise you on how to approach the transactions for optimum profit.

Below are some tips and tricks that have proven successful in finding motivated sellers in your market.

• Major newspapers- print ads can be pricey but a classified ad can cost very little and still be very effective. Kooky headlines like “I buy ugly houses” has proven very effective for some major players. Spend some time browsing through your local paper to see what is already being used. Then take those ideas, tweak them, and then use them yourself.

• Thrifty newspapers- every community has them. Penny savers, thrifty nickels, and other local gems can be a great way to reach an untapped market. Best of all, these ads are super cheap. Imagine finding a motivated seller and only spending $20 dollars for a newspaper ad!

• Signage- strategically placed signs on corners can help find motivated sellers where they work and play. You can also place flyers in local supermarkets or anywhere else that people gather together.

• For Sale by Owner Ads- many motivated sellers try to sell their own properties without the help of a real estate agent, in hopes of making a little bit of money off the deal. Consider approaching these individuals with a deal.

• Work the MLS. Junk property, pre-foreclosures, foreclosures, HUD & VA homes can all be bargains. Pay special attention to expired listings and the DOM (Days on Market). Generally, the longer the property has been listed, the more motivated the seller is.

• Talk to landlords. Find motivated sellers by contacting landlords with properties for rent or those that are evicting a tenant. You may be able to strike up a deal.

• Tax & Estate Sales- In the attempt to avoid high property and estate taxes, many sellers will want to get rid of their properties quick. Which can mean a great bargain for you. Divorces are another reason for motivated sellers, as many tend to be emotional and make deals that they normally wouldn’t consider.

• Problem properties. Many motivated sellers are motivated because they have a problem property on their hands. This could include homes with building code violations, health code violations (like mold), condemned properties, or fire damage. While the property may include a little bit of TLC to make them profitable, you can often get really good deals.

• Out of area owners. If the owner of the home has had to move to another city for job or personal reasons, they may be motivated to move their property. Again the DOM will give you a good indication of how motivated they are.

Getting in touch with motivated sellers

Once you know what to look for, you can take the steps to connecting with the motivated sellers on the market. Networking with professionals in your area (real estate agents, lawyers, etc) is one good way to finding motivated sellers. You may be the first one to know about estate sales, divorce properties, etc. Service people are another good resource. Your letter carrier, lawn guy, newspaper delivery person may know more about what is going on in the neighborhood than anybody else. Let them know that you are looking for motivated sellers, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Last but no least- ADVERTISE! Street signs, magnetic car signs, business cards, fliers, and door hangers are just a few of the ways that you can get the word out. Let others know that you are looking to buy property, and work with your real estate agent to find the motivated sellers and make the most of the deals that you find.

To claim your FREE CD filled with 7-Golden Secrets to finding motivated sellers please visit http://www.howtofindmotivatedsellers.com/ and get 2 months FREE charter membership to http://www.investorfortune.com/