Approaching non-distressed owners to sell?

Question

Hi guys! So I'm a Realtor, and work mostly with non-investor sellers and buyers.

But I'm in a low inventory market, and I'm looking for a property for a personal purchase (my new primary residence) with very specific parameters. I need to go beyond the MLS to find what I need.

I have tools to help me identify properties that match my criteria, even if they've never been on the market. My question is: what's the best way to reach out to sellers who aren't distressed and have not indicated wanting to sell? I'm a serious buyer, I won't charge realtor fees, I'm pre-approved conventional and I have a flexible timeline. And I'm willing to pay full value.

I'd like my communication to stand out, since I'm not a realtor trying to list their house or a wholesaler trying to assign a contract...

Tara Ballenger · Answer

Account Closed agreed. I'm trying to stand out amongst the "I have a buyer" and "I work with investors!" lines that realtors use to get listings. Nothing wrong with that tack, but this is a different situation and I'd like to really woo these potential sellers. I imagine I'll be targeting under 100 homes total, that meet the parameters. People are so reluctant to sell in this market.

Account Closed · Answer

@Tara Ballenger   Normally... I tell people to let their friends know via facebook and things like that.  Since you are a broker in a hot market you have probably used up most of those contacts.  If you mention real estate on facebook most people probably just ignore it.

Brent Coombs · Answer

Sure. But, not as big as if you were ONLY looking for bargains that are ALREADY worth more than you're paying.

ie. Bought from MOTIVATED Sellers, NOT non-motivated ones, who you may end up paying a PREMIUM to buy from.

My basic premise is: as soon as EMOTIONS get involved in "needing" THAT primary, too much WILL be paid! Cheers...

Tara Ballenger · Answer

@Brent Coombs I disagree - strategic purchases of primary residences can absolutely lead to "bigger pockets."

Brent Coombs · Answer

Aren't there any regular auctions (and/or "normal" listings) in the area? It looks like you just need to attend all potentially interesting open house events, and buy the first one that comes up trumps!

Other than that, I'd just write brief personalized notes on your Business Cards, and do TARGETED door knocking!

[Your question isn't really geared towards helping you obtain BIGGER pockets, but, good luck]. My 2c...

Antoine Martel · Answer

Handwritten all the way!

Tara Ballenger · Answer

@Antoine Martel awesome advice, thank you! I believe I have to disclose that I'm a Realtor in the letter, but I was planning on doing that at the very end.

Do you think handwritten letter would yield more results? Or would it look unprofessional?

Antoine Martel · Answer

What I've done in the past is send out a direct mail to these people saying that you're a family looking to move into the neighborhood and you love how their house looks and you think it would be a perfect fit for your family. Homeowners love to hear that they'll be selling to someone who is going to live in it and that you love their home.