Pre-Marketing Flip House Before the MLS?

Question

How do you pre-market your Rehab houses before you get them on the MLS?

Can anyone give recommendations or elaborate on this list?:

-FSBO sign?

-Craigslist?

-Local blogs?

-Local Agents?

It's in North East Los Angeles (NELA) 90065 in Mt Washington/ Cypress Park / Glassell Park area. This is a hot real estate area of LA with a lot of trendy flips going on on every other street. Similar to Silverlake and Echo Park 10+ years ago.

Jeff Copeland · Answer

We recently had surprising success on Facebook with pre-MLS marketing. The property was a flip, so I created a Before and After Album on Facebook, then I boosted the post for $60 to my target demographic.

I wasn't really trying to sell it via Facebook when I posted the pictures (to be honest, i wasn't sure I even wanted potential buyers to see the "before" pictures!) - I just thought it was a good way to get some likes and promote my company - I know everyone is addicted to before and after pics and the rehab shows on HGTV.

There was a flurry of activity on the Facebook post and people started tagging their friends who were looking for houses.

When I stopped by the property on my way home that day, there was a buyer sitting there waiting for me. By the next day I had two offers in hand at full asking price - both directly as a result of Facebook! Cost me $60 rather than a 3% listing agent fee (I still paid the buyer's agent because the buyer already had one), and I also got like 100 new likes to my company page on Facebook (which was all I was really hoping for in the first place!).

Shayna Nadeau · Answer

She can market to other agents thru PropertyBlastHomes.com. This company allows you to blast your listings nationwide or to a certain area you want your home marketed to.

Shayna Nadeau · Answer

Hello again @Will F.! I forgot to mention that ZipYourFlyer.com is a good marketing tool for your listings.

Greg H. · Answer

@Will F.

I use Flyersrus which seems work the best for the price in my area.  Ask you girlfriend what company she gets the most from.  This will help you target agents

Go to Facebook and search for neighborhood for sale/yard sale groups for the subdivision and or the city/area.  I would imagine in LA area there are many.  This will get all the neighbors fired up about the house.  Be sure to use key words such as coming soon and pre-mls

David Bruce · Answer

There's a builder in our neighborhood who puts up a HUGE banner on the fence "For Sale By Owner - will cooperate with Buyer's Agents".  And he usually sells without going on the MLS.  I would agree with @Shayna Nadeau to align yourself with an agent if you can.  And especially if they have a large buyer's email list they have been cultivating for years.

Honestly, why are you so concerned about pre-marketing?  In this HOT market, put it out there on the MLS for everyone to see and watch the Buyers come in and compete.  Drive the price up and over what the buyer's agent commission would be.

PM me the details = you never know.

Nathan Brooks · Answer

There is a lot of great food for thought on this line of posts ... we just sold our latest flip pre-market with an agent I knew, with a buyer who had missed on several deals before ours came across. They wrote a full priced offer ... we offered commission for any buyers agent bringing a buyer.

We work with several trusted real estate agents ... so there is definite advantage to someone who knows what they are doing in marketing and selling, and NEGOTIATING the deals ... but that doesn't mean you can't pre-market the house.

I think for our next ones we will have a similar sign as @dev horn has above ... and just put it in the yard as we start.

Josh D. · Answer

I always Pre-MLS my flips. It gives me a chance to discount the properties for a quick sale. I usually sell while under rehab based on renderings of what the house will look like. The sale is contingent on the work being done to buyers inspection. I write in my ads "Buy now and save 6% in realtor fees" I know I'm not going to see the commission so why not give a portion to the buyers in the form of a discount and get it under contract.

I use zillow and list my information at the bottom so the calls are directed to me. Postlets is also another great site which uploads your listing information to roughly 20 other listing sites.

I also use signs out front "For Sale Under Renovation"

Be prepared if you go this route to have the proper documents and attorney info when you do show the property. So the buyers will have everything they need to write an offer.

Dev Horn · Answer

I like everything Greg said - I use this Coming Soon rider in a metal yard sign.  (Blacked out the phone number so as not to "advertise" here...)

Will F. · Answer

I like to squeeze every penny out of a deal and I'm obsessive over this.

I thought I could possibly sell to a buyer off the MLS and save $15k in commissions.  Then again I think you're right David.  On the MLS it could easily go $20k what I'm asking.  Great advice.

Also Shayna I'll check out that link thanks

Shayna Nadeau · Answer

Hi @Will F.!

If you list your property with an agent, the agent can market your property as a pocket listing before you decide when you want for it to hit the market. They'll spread the word out to agents/brokers within the office to see if they have any buyers that may be interested.

Hope this helps!

Pre-Marketing Flip House Before the MLS?

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