What do I look for on Craigslist?

Question

I was told that the "Real Estate - by Owner" section in Craigslist was a good place to find leads for motivated sellers. I seem to only be finding other investors with set terms. Is anyone else finding good leads on Craigslist? Where else should I be looking?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

It may help if you have a little bit of a sob story (single mom, struggling college student, etc.) I've known some people to get really good deals just because the seller wanted to help someone out.

Don't make it complicated. Talk natural and honestly. I cold-called storage units a couple years ago with no script or experience. I just explained who I was, what I was looking for, and asked if they were interested in selling or knew someone that was. A few months later, one of them called me back and I got a really good deal.

Doug P. · Answer

"Hi my name is Simone. I'm looking to buy a house in your neighborhood. Do you know anyone who's thinking of selling?"

Asking if they know someone takes the pressure off of them. They will volunteer the info if they're thinking about selling themselves.

Don't forget to tell them that you pay for referrals and ask if you can keep in touch. Then get their best phone number and email and put them into your follow up system.

Patrick Drury · Answer

@Simone HenryPick up the phone and start calling property owners.

Raymond Reyes · Answer

Hi @Simone Henry I don't really go on craigslist but look in the rental section for owner-listed rentals. It's a volume game so it may take some time and a few follow-ups before you land one...You can check FB marketplace, send out direct mailers, pull lists and make calls, d4d etc. I would say to do a combination of a few of those consistently and you'll start to land some solid leads.

Jerry Holt · Answer

@Simone Henry

While you are searching Craigslist don't forget to look at the estate sales. Many of these sales are tied to folks that are planning on selling the home as well. Good luck!

Eliott Elias · Answer

Never have, all FSBO in my experience has been delusional home owners who want too much for their property.

Rich Carey · Answer

@Simone Henry

I would also recommend signing up for all the wholesalers lists in your area.  Also, you can google and youtube lots of info on cold call scripts.

I used to send my own letters out and bought several that way.  Now, I just work for a wholesaler and buy from them!

Rich

Nate Sanow · Answer

I’ve known of deals there but it takes looking at it thousand’s of times.

Ace Goodrich · Answer

Hi Simone, you're on the right track.  Here's a note for a bit of perspective.  Everyone ( or nearly everyone ) that's looking at starting out, or just starting out, will be doing the same old, same old craigslist run.

Here's something that you can do now that you have a bit of an intro

Hey I'm Simone

here's a bit of my story

D'you know someone who's looking to sell...

Right, as you're there, you have the chance to build rapport and start the relationship on the right level.  Even when you find investors with set terms, you could be a resource to them (after all, you're on craigslist talking to 10, 20 people per day) and they could be resourceful for you as well ( after all, they have money to invest and are active on the forums which means they more than likely know some buyers).

So you're in a good space.  Just constantly think adding value and people will be willing to help you because that kind of thing resonates with investors and successful people like us.  We're all here to make someone's day better and win.

Best of Luck and please keep us updated on your progress!

Simone Henry · Answer

That's what I'm finding.

What do I look for on Craigslist?

Most Popular Reply