Generally
speaking, stalking usually isn’t considered a positive thing. However,
with homes selling so quickly right now and competition increasing
rapidly, many buyers have hopped on the “home stalking” bandwagon as an
innovative strategy to find a new house.
This home stalking trend includes tactics such as knocking on doors,
tracking down homeowners, and writing letters in hopes to purchase a
home that may not even be listed for sale. Since 2010, home stalking has
increased in popularity by 15%.
Zillow’s Make Me Move
is a website that allows homeowners to list their properties with a
“dream” price. Potential homebuyers can contact the seller via email,
and the seller will continue to remain anonymous. This feature provided
by Zillow currently has over 148,000 listings, and since last year,
contact to homeowners has increased by 130%.
There are three main strategies home stalkers use:
- Letters to the homeowner. Some homebuyers are stopping by homes to
give them letters asking the homeowner if they would be interested in
selling. Most of these letters add a personal touch, telling the
homeowner why they would be the best prospective buyer for the property.
According to a survey done by the National Association of Realtors last
year, 20% of those who sold their homes without using a real estate
agent said they did so because a prospective buyer contacted them. Keep
in mind that it is illegal to put something in someone else’s mailbox,
so either address the letter to “Resident” and mail it or leave it at
their door.
- Searching the Internet, and setting up property alerts. Most real
estate listing websites give you the option to set up alerts on
properties you are interested in. If you know what neighborhood you want
to live in, you can set up alerts on properties in that neighborhood.
The more property alerts you set up, the better your chances are at
getting a home in that particular neighborhood. Also, foreclosure
listings and pre-foreclosure listings are a great resource you can use
to find more possibilities.
- Old-fashioned knocking. Is there a home you absolutely love? You
could always just knock on the door and ask the homeowner if they have
any interest in selling.
Keep in mind that to avoid overpaying for a property and making sure
everyone is getting the best deal, it’s always a good idea to hire a
real estate agent and an attorney to assist with the process.
Contact us at Cobblestone Realty today for the advice you need in the Real Estate.
@Cobblestoneinfo!
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