Home
Real Estate Wholesaling
How to Find Motivated Sellers in Real Estate

How to Find Motivated Sellers in Real Estate

Finding motivated sellers is the foundation of any successful wholesaling or investing business. A motivated seller is someone who needs to sell quickly — often due to financial distress, divorce, inheritance, or property damage. Here are the best strategies to find them consistently.

Driving for Dollars

Driving for dollars means physically driving through neighborhoods looking for distressed properties — boarded windows, overgrown yards, code violation signs, and vacant homes. Use a mobile app to log addresses, then skip trace the owners and reach out directly. This is one of the most effective and low-cost lead generation strategies.

DealMachine App PropStream – Property Data

Direct Mail Campaigns

Sending targeted letters or postcards to distressed property owners remains one of the highest-converting marketing methods. Target lists like pre-foreclosures, tax delinquent properties, absentee owners, and code violations. Consistency is key — plan for 5-7 touches over several months to maximize response rates.

Yellow Letters Complete REIPrintMail ListSource – Mailing Lists

Skip Tracing to Find Owners

Skip tracing is the process of finding a property owner’s contact information — phone numbers, emails, and addresses — when they’re not easily reachable. Use skip tracing services to get accurate data on absentee owners, inherited properties, and hard-to-find sellers.

BatchSkipTracing REISkip

Online Lead Generation

Build a simple website or landing page where sellers can submit their property information. Drive traffic through Google Ads targeting keywords like ‘sell my house fast [city]’ and Facebook ads targeting homeowners in distressed situations. Paid advertising scales faster than outbound methods once optimized.

Carrot – Investor Websites Google Ads Facebook Ads Manager

Networking and Referrals

Build relationships with attorneys, probate courts, property managers, contractors, and other real estate professionals who encounter motivated sellers regularly. Referral deals often have less competition and higher profit margins. Attend local REIA meetings and real estate networking events.

National REIA – Find Local Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a seller 'motivated'?

A motivated seller has a strong reason to sell quickly — foreclosure, divorce, job relocation, inherited property, major repairs needed, or financial hardship. They prioritize speed and convenience over getting top dollar.

What is the best way to find motivated sellers?

A combination of driving for dollars, direct mail, and skip tracing is the most effective approach for most investors. Add online marketing as your budget grows.

How many leads does it take to get a deal?

On average, you'll need 30-50 qualified leads to close one wholesale deal. Response rates from direct mail are typically 1-3%, and conversion rates from leads to contracts are around 5-10%.