Find Your Next Real Estate Deal
Search Now

How to Create an Absentee Owner List

Jerry Norton

Aug 8, 2024

cabin near trees

As part of your real estate lead generation strategy, you’re looking for below market deals and motivated sellers among the following lead types:

Have you considered adding absentee owners to your strategy?

Properties with absentee owners come with many benefits. Not only are they likely to be motivated to sell; if you’re looking to fix and flip a property or find tenants, there’s no current tenants to move out. Instead, it’s a blank canvas ready for you to begin the day you acquire the property. After all, fast renovations leads to a fast ROI!

That’s why absentee owners can be one of the best (and most profitable) real estate lead options.

So here’s the question …

How do you find absentee owned properties?

And how do you find absentee owned properties without blowing your budget? 

We’ll answer these questions and more in this guide. 

Let’s get started! 

What are “Absentee Owners”? 

Absentee ownership is simple: a property owner does not occupy or reside on the property that they own. 

This can be for several reasons, including:

Owning Multiple Properties

A real estate investor may own several properties in the area and has hired a property management company to oversee each one. 

Out of State

The property owner may live out of state or in some cases, may live out of the country. 

Because of this, he or she may only visit the property semi annually or quarterly to check on it’s upkeep. 

Probate Real Estate

A property could also have an absentee owner if it was handed down to a heir through probate, and the new property owner isn’t sure what to do with it. 

How to Find Absentee Owned Properties

Now that we’ve broken down what an absentee owned property is, let’s take a look at how to find these properties as part of your real estate lead generation strategy. 

#1: Propwire

The most affordable and easiest way to find absentee properties is through Propwire’s database, where you can search 157+ million MLS & off-market properties — 100% free.

Propwire allows you to search this database using 21 lead types, including absentee owners. 

It works like this: simply choose “absentee owners” as your lead type filter, and instantly you’ll see the properties in your area that match the criteria.

If you find a property you’re interested in, contacting the owner with an offer has never been easier: for the cost of 10 cents, you can skip trace to obtain the info to get negotiations started. 

#2: Public Records Search

Because property ownership information and tax records are publicly available in most areas of the US, you can use a public records search online or in person to find out if a property is absentee owned or not. 

Public records can also provide valuable insights into:

  • past sales 
  • liens
  • property taxes
  • And more 

#3: Absentee Owner Lists

Lead generation companies sell lists of absentee owned properties in your area for a price.

When going this route, it’s important to choose a reputable company that can provide an up to date list — the last thing you want is outdated information especially when you’re paying a premium for it.  

#4 Real Estate Agents

Because real estate agents are the go to source for new and current listings in your area, developing a relationship and rapport with one or several can help you become aware of absentee owned properties in your area. 

#5: Wholesalers

Wholesalers have their ear to the ground when it comes to distressed homeowners looking to sell; by developing a relationship with wholesalers in your area, you can get the inside track on absentee properties in your city. 

The Bottom Line: Absentee Owners

Absentee owned properties are a valuable and profitable lead option for real estate inventors.

That is, if you know how to find them. 

Use Propwire’s tools to find your next investment into absentee owned property from the comfort of your own home today.