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10 Ways to Find Off Market Properties

Jerry Norton

Aug 8, 2024

Off market properties are properties that aren’t listed on the MLS or other traditional real estate platforms. 

Many real estate investors focus specifically on off market properties because they offer great value for money, below market deals, a quick sale process and potential for strong returns. 

That is, if you know where to find them. 

With off market properties, finding them is the hardest part, which is why we came up with a list of the best free and paid strategies for finding them. 

If you’re ready to find your first or next off the market property, let’s get started! 

10 Ways to Find Off Market Properties

1. Propwire

Propwire is one of the most effective ways to find off market properties for free. 

Propwire has a comprehensive database of off market properties with unlimited searches and downloads available. Users can sort properties by more than 20 lead types, including:

Off Market properties on Propwire
Off Market properties on Propwire

Once you’ve found properties you’re interested in, Propwire has a comp tool to help you determine accurate property values. 

Plus, Propwire has an industry leading skip trace feature to help you find contact information for property owners for just 10 cents per skip trace. 

2. Contractors

Networking with contractors in your area is another great way to find off-market properties. 

Many homeowners will work with contractors to fix up their properties prior to selling them. This means the contractor will have the inside scoop about when the property will hit the market. 

As a real estate investor, it’s important to build reciprocal relationships with local contractors. 

After all, you never know when you’ll need their services in the future for one of your properties.

3. Direct Mail Marketing

Direct mail marketing is a simple and cost-effective way to connect with homeowners in your area. 

It involves sending printed mailers or postcards out in large batches, or sending emails to homeowners in your target demographic. 

Whether you’re using physical mail or email, your message should let recipients know that you’re buying properties and provide contact information. 

4. Wholesalers

Wholesalers serve as middlemen between sellers and buyers, and they know how to find off market properties that aren’t listed anywhere online. 

Wholesalers typically focus on financially distressed properties or properties in need of rehabilitation. 

They’ll approach the homeowner with an offer to find a buyer, and then sell the property to the investor with an added finder’s fee. 

While you’ll pay a little more to purchase from a wholesaler, the extra fee is often worth it for the quality or location of the property. 

5. Auctions

When homes go into foreclosure, they often end up on real estate auction platforms. 

Browsing these platforms does take time, but it is a great way to find off market properties for free. 

Some of the most popular real estate auction websites include 

  • Auction.com 
  • Xome 
  • Hubzu 

6. County/Public Records

Searching through your local government’s public records is a very effective way to learn more about properties you’re interested in. 

County records homes that are up for short sale or are already in pre-foreclosure. 

If you’re interested in a specific property, you can also use these records to learn more about their tax history and get the owner’s contact information. 

Homeowners who are struggling with tax delinquencies may be more motivated to sell their properties. 

7. Craigslist

Craigslist has always been a popular place to find rental properties, but owners will occasionally post properties for sale as well. 

These are usually distressed properties that you wouldn’t find on the MLS. 

Be sure to do your due diligence before engaging with any listing on Craigslist to avoid scams. 

8. Word-of-Mouth Community Networking

Word-of-mouth is a surprisingly effective way for real estate investors to learn about new properties. 

Make sure all your friends and family know that you are building your real estate investment portfolio and are interested in purchasing properties. 

You might be able to find new properties through mutual friends or other local connections. 

9. Probate Agents

When a homeowner dies and no one inherits their property, it often goes up for probate sale. 

Probate agents help families handle their loved ones’ estates, and they’ll know about upcoming probate sales before they are announced. 

Networking with probate agents in your area is an effective way to find out about these sales. 

10. Attend Real Estate Events

Local real estate conferences are a great way to meet agents and other investors in your area. 

The more you network, the more likely you are to hear about upcoming sales or interesting off-market properties. 

You can even partner with other investors to increase your chances of securing a property you’re interested in. 

Advantages of Off Market Properties

There are several advantages to focusing on off market properties rather than traditional MLS listings. 

Many investors seek these properties out specifically for these unique benefits.

  • Fast sale: Many homeowners opt for an off-market sale to complete the transaction quickly, rather than make a profit.
  • Low prices: Because these homes are often financially distressed or in need of repairs, they tend to come in at a lower price point than area averages. 
  • Hidden gems: Investors who are willing to go off market can find some truly unique and interesting properties. 
  • Less competition: Because these properties aren’t widely advertised, you won’t be competing with as many buyers. 

Disadvantages of Off Market Properties

While there are many benefits to buying off market properties, there are also some disadvantages to be aware of. 

  • Difficult to find: High quality off market properties are more difficult to find than those on the MLS. 
  • Need repairs: Most off market properties are sold as-is, and you won’t be able to conduct an inspection ahead of time. This means that you may need to make significant repairs to get the property to a resellable condition.
  • Limited selection: You won’t have much choice in terms of the type or location of the properties you’re interested in. 

Off-Market Properties: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do investors look for off market properties? 

Off market properties are often cheaper than MLS listings and offer the potential of great returns. 

Q. What does it mean when a property is “off market”?

When a property is off market, it’s not listed for sale on the MLS or any other traditional real estate platforms. 

Q. How do I find comps on an off market property?

Online tools like Propwire are a great way to find comps for off market properties. 

This will help you find the most accurate value for properties you’re interested in. 

Q. How can you find off market properties for free? 

Propwire makes it easy to find off market properties for free. 

Networking with other investors, agents, and contractors in your area can also help you find leads for free, although it does require effort up front. 

The Bottom Line: Off the Market Properties

Buying off market properties is a great way to expand your investment portfolio. 

Although they take a little extra time and effort to find, they often come with a lower price tag and plenty of long-term potential.

If you’re looking for your first or next off the market property, utilize Propwire’s tools to find one today!