How to buy house off market

How to buy house off market

Member since 2023 · 3 posts · 4 votes

Hey everyone,

I am a real estate investor and I am wanting to buy a property that is currently off market. This particular property was in my family since 1980 and then through unfortunate circumstances in 2016 it was sold to an out of family individual. They have owned it since then. From what I can find this person lives there and is approximately 65 years old. From the property records and comps in the area it looks like the value since purchase in 2016 has appreciated to almost double for what was purchased. 

I spent most of my summers in this particular property and now that I have funds available to me as an investor to buy the property I am wanting to reach out to this individual to see if they are willing to sell it. I want to be able to bring this family loved property back into our family again. what is the best way to contact this person? I am apprehensive about the strategy to reach out to them because if I disclose my closeness to the property then they may put unrealistic expectations for the sale. on the other hand I think sharing that information could allow them to see the fondness I have and be open to negotiations and potential sale because they see I will take care of the property and not just a guy looking for a deal.

I am currently out of state from where the property is located for context.

I am wondering if anyone has any good ideas to help this maybe run a little smoother and have a higher potential for success. 

Thanks in advance

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Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 7 votes
1y

I agree with Bethany... hand written notes can do wonders. It's, cheap and easy to do. The photos were a really good idea I hadn't thought of. 

I am currently in the process of seeking off market deals and I have been writing letters to different property owners. I mailed 9 letters today. The only other thing I would add to Bethany's reply is, you may not get a response quickly. Persistence is often necessary when sending letters.

Good luck!

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  • Member since 2025 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    1y

    Hi Stefen,

    My name is Elijah Brown. I’m a new wholesaler building experience in real estate research and strategy. I saw your post about wanting to reacquire your family property and wanted to offer some help.

    While I’m just starting out, I can assist with researching ownership records, gathering property data, or drafting professional messages to the current owner. I’d be happy to help you approach this situation thoughtfully and respectfully.

    If that sounds useful, feel free to let me know!

    Thanks,

    Elijah

  • Stefen HuskinsonPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 3 posts · 4 votes
    1y

    Thanks Elijah,

    I currently have a lot of the information on the property. the main thing I am looking for is how to approach the owner of the property. I feel like i'd need help growing rapport with the owner first to approach them to sell

    • Real Estate Agent · Tacoma, WA · Member since 2025 · 15 posts · 3 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Stefen Huskinson:

      Thanks Elijah,

      I currently have a lot of the information on the property. the main thing I am looking for is how to approach the owner of the property. I feel like i'd need help growing rapport with the owner first to approach them to sell

      Stefen, I know you are out of state, so my main suggestion wouldn't work.. But I have seen a lot of success from myself or clients by simply knocking on the door. Honesty is the best policy! You love this property, and who wouldn't love to sell to someone who is going to love it as much as they did?? You never know, maybe you would be a huge blessing to this person! 

      Second best is a hand written note sent to the address. Share your story. If you have any photos of your family on the property send a copy! I think they will love it!

  • Member since 2025 · 10 posts · 7 votes
    1y

    I agree with Bethany... hand written notes can do wonders. It's, cheap and easy to do. The photos were a really good idea I hadn't thought of. 

    I am currently in the process of seeking off market deals and I have been writing letters to different property owners. I mailed 9 letters today. The only other thing I would add to Bethany's reply is, you may not get a response quickly. Persistence is often necessary when sending letters.

    Good luck!

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2025 · 81 posts · 43 votes
    1y

    Write them a sincere, honest, handwritten, hand addressed letter. 

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