Get Expired MLS Listings for Free: Your Secret Weapon for SubTo Deals!
How to Get Expired MLS Listings for Free: Your Path to Successful SubTo and Seller Financing Deals
Expired MLS listings represent a treasure trove of opportunities for real estate investors, especially those focused on creative financing strategies like seller financing, subject-to (SubTo) investing, and taking over mortgage payments. These listings feature properties that were once on the market but didn’t sell, making their owners potential candidates for alternative selling options. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can access expired MLS listings for free, why these leads are so valuable, and how to turn them into profitable deals.
Why Expired MLS Listings Matter for Creative Financing
Expired MLS listings are properties that didn’t sell during their initial listing period. These homeowners are often motivated to sell but may have struggled to find buyers due to pricing, property condition, or market conditions. For real estate investors, this situation presents an opportunity to offer creative solutions such as seller financing, owner financing, or taking over the homeowner’s mortgage payments.
Accessing expired MLS listings allows you to connect with sellers who may be more open to creative financing deals, making it easier to negotiate terms like wraparound mortgages, subject-to agreements, or rent-to-own arrangements.
Step 1: How to Get Expired MLS Listings for Free
Many investors pay for subscription services that provide access to expired MLS listings, but there’s a more cost-effective way to get these leads—by leveraging relationships with real estate agents. Here’s how:
1. Build Relationships with Real Estate Agents
The key to getting free access to expired MLS listings is building strong relationships with multiple real estate agents. Agents have access to the MLS and can easily pull up expired listings, which they can then share with you.
How to Approach Agents:
- Initial Contact:
Start by reaching out to real estate agents who specialize in your target market. Let them know that you’re a real estate investor interested in creative financing strategies like seller financing, subject-to deals, and taking over mortgage payments.
- Offer a Win-Win Deal:
Explain to the agents that you’ll work the leads they provide and, in cases where the seller isn’t interested in your offer, you’ll refer them back to the agent. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship, where the agent benefits from your efforts, and you gain access to free expired MLS listings.
- Build Trust Over Time
: As you close deals and refer sellers back to the agents, you’ll build trust and credibility. This will make agents more likely to continue providing you with expired listings, ensuring a steady stream of leads.
2. Use Free Online Resources
In addition to working with real estate agents, there are free online resources you can use to access expired MLS listings:
- County Clerk’s Office
: Many counties make expired listings available online through their clerk’s office. These documents are public records and can be accessed for free. Check your local county’s website to see if they offer this service.
- Real Estate Websites
: Some real estate websites, such as Zillow and Realtor.com, list expired properties. While these listings may not be as comprehensive as those provided by agents, they can still be a good starting point for finding leads.
Step 2: Turning Expired MLS Listings into Profitable Deals
Once you’ve secured a list of expired MLS listings, it’s time to put them to work. Here’s how to turn these leads into successful creative financing deals:
1. Cold Calling
Cold calling is one of the most effective ways to connect with motivated sellers from expired MLS listings. Use the information you’ve gathered to reach out directly to homeowners. When calling, focus on offering solutions like seller financing, subject-to deals, or taking over mortgage payments. These options can provide a win-win situation for both you and the homeowner.
2. Direct Mail Campaigns
Direct mail is another powerful tool for reaching homeowners with expired listings. Send personalized letters or postcards that address the homeowner’s specific situation and offer a creative financing solution. For example, you might highlight how taking over their mortgage payments can relieve them of the burden of owning a home they can’t sell.
3. Door Knocking
If you prefer face-to-face interactions, door knocking can be an effective way to connect with sellers. Approach homeowners with empathy and offer solutions that can help them avoid the stress of keeping an unsold property. This personal touch can make a significant impact and increase your chances of closing a deal.
4. Offer Creative Financing Solutions
When working with expired MLS listings, be prepared to offer a variety of creative financing solutions. Here are a few options to consider:
- Seller Financing
: Offer to purchase the property with seller financing, where the seller acts as the bank and you make payments directly to them. This can be an attractive option for sellers who want to receive ongoing income.
- Subject-To Deals:
Propose taking over the seller’s existing mortgage payments (subject-to investing) while leaving the loan in their name. This allows you
to acquire the property with little to no money down.
- Wraparound Mortgages
: Offer a wraparound mortgage, where you create a new loan that “wraps around” the seller’s existing mortgage. This can provide the seller with additional income while you take control of the property.
- Rent-to-Own
: If the seller is open to a longer-term arrangement, consider setting up a rent-to-own agreement, where you lease the property with the option to buy at a later date.
Step 3: Follow Up and Stay Consistent
The key to success with expired MLS listings is consistency. Follow up regularly with the sellers you contact, and continue to nurture your relationships with real estate agents. Over time, this approach will help you build a pipeline of leads that you can tap into for your creative financing deals.
Call to Action
If you’re ready to take your real estate investing to the next level, there’s no better time to start than now. My book, available at [TheNewFlip.com](http://www.TheNewFlip.com) and [MyRealEstateDojo.com](http://www.myrealestatedojo.com), is packed with strategies and insights to help you close deals with motivated sellers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your investing business with these proven techniques.
If you found this blog post helpful, be sure to share it with other investors, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and join my email list for more tips and strategies. Let’s get out there and make those deals happen!
Thanks for clicking the LIKE and Subscriber button. Thanks for watching!!