Marketing - does it work??

[Chris Kasteler]

In developing my start strategy for finding fix and flip properties, I see and hear a lot about using marketing as a strategy to find off-market properties.  Sending out mailers, voicemails and email blasts just seems to be such a low percentage strategy.  I was wondering if some experienced flippers wouldn't mind chiming in on whether the effort, expense and time is actually worth it or not.   Does it actually lead to solid leads and ultimately deals?  If not, what are some of the best ways you've found to find those properties that lead to deals?

Thanks so much!!

[Brennen Thompson]

Hey dude! 

I'm not a fix/flipper but we do a lot of fix/holding. We've gone the whole direct to seller route (sending mailers, texting, cold calling, etc.) and did see results with it. However, my warning is that you're going to dump a lot of cash into it before you see a return. 

My recommendation is to start cold calling agents with listings that have been on the MLS for over 30 days. There are plenty listings out there that meet that criteria right now (and at least you'll know that your efforts are hitting motivated property owners). If you'd like to spend some cash, I'd recommend checking out Ryan Dossey. He puts out a lot of great content on the direct to seller route... If it were me, I'd get my feet wet with some agent cold calling before spending a few grand on some learning lessons!