Wholesaling and Investing in Ontario, Canada

[Nicolas Jimenez]

Hey everyone!

I’ve been doing a lot of research on finding off market properties and getting them under contract. Me and my girlfriend have been trying to get started on it for some time and she actually has her real state license as well. We’ve developed a buyers list of people who want off market properties however the issue we’re having now is finding motivated sellers. I wanted to see if anyone can give me some tips on how to find sellers or the best way to gather leads. We have a list of run down properties and have sent them all letters (with stamps that we get for free) and contacting people out website for information however were finding that this is not the most effective way as it takes a long time and not many have gotten back to us. I’ve done research and lot of people use lists services to find near foreclosed properties or absentee owners then skip trace it to get their phone number however these companies typically only work for addresses and numbers in the states. As far as I know, due to privacy laws this cant even be done in Canada so it makes the process a bit harder. Does anyone know of any more efficient ways to find motivated sellers and leads in Ontario. Would love some insight and tips.

Also, looking to connect with people in the GTA, feel free to reach out as well!

[Amanda Sutherland]

Same as @Roy Cleeves - I had at least 3-4 handwritten or printed flyers this summer alone trying to get me to sell my house (no realtors or fees involved! we pay cash! the usual messaging). Some people have definitely taken them up on it throughout the neighbourhood but I would assume it's a low rate of return like you're experiencing. In fact, from what I've seen, every time I received a letter I'd see 2-3 new houses on the market in my neighbourhood. Seems to make people realize the value they have.

Have also seen many roadside signs (the kind that a roofing company would put on your lawn) encouraging sellers to reach out via phone number/website - no realtors/fees involved. Can't comment on the effectiveness of this strategy but they seem to be popular so must be worth it.

As far as I know, you're right about the privacy laws etc. I've done some snooping on that as well in my area and have come up empty.

From a sellers POV, the letters and signs are easy to throw out, but knocking and leaving a card is harder to ignore. If they answer, you can dig a little bit to see what their needs might be and adjust your approach to suit it or if it's a rental property you can get information on the owner. It just depends how much effort/time you're able to put into it - may not be as efficient of a practice as you're looking for but may be more successful. Ultimately the sellers - despite their rundown properties - are in the driver's seat. They have what you need. You're going to get a lot of no's/silence regardless of how you approach unless you can give them what they need and you can't figure that out through a letter.

You may already know of her, but Sarah Eder does a lot of off market properties - check out her socials, she might have some good tips (I think she's in Guelph but seems to have properties all over the place).