How to Pull and Contact Owners of Expired Listings
How to extract owner data from MLS and reach out with confidence.
Austin Beverigde
Tennessee
, Goliath Teammate
Are you struggling to find potential leads in a competitive real estate market? Expired listings can be a goldmine for savvy agents and investors looking to connect with motivated sellers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of pulling expired listings and reaching out to their owners effectively.
Quick Answer
To pull expired listings, use a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or online real estate platforms to filter properties that have recently expired. Once you have the list, research the owners' contact information through public records or online databases. When reaching out, personalize your message to show understanding and offer solutions to their previous challenges.
Understanding Expired Listings
Expired listings refer to properties that were listed for sale but did not sell within the listing period. They often represent homeowners who are still interested in selling but may have faced challenges such as pricing, marketing, or timing. By contacting these owners, you can present new strategies or solutions to help them achieve their selling goals.
Steps to Pull Expired Listings
1. Accessing the MLS
The most reliable way to find expired listings is through your local MLS. Here’s how to do it:
Log in to your MLS account.
Navigate to the search function and select the option for expired listings.
Set the date range to capture recent expirations, typically within the last 30 to 90 days.
Filter by location, property type, and other criteria relevant to your target market.
Save or export the list for further analysis.
2. Finding Owner Contact Information
Once you have your list of expired listings, the next step is to find the owners' contact details:
Check public property records through county assessor websites.
Use online databases like Whitepages or Spokeo for phone numbers and email addresses.
Consider using social media platforms to connect with owners directly.
Contacting the Owners
When reaching out to owners of expired listings, your approach is crucial. Here are some tips:
1. Personalize Your Message
Start by acknowledging their previous listing and express empathy for their situation. For example:
Before: "Hi, I noticed your home was listed but didn't sell. I’d like to help you."
After: "Hi, I saw that your home was on the market recently. I understand how frustrating that can be, and I’d love to discuss some fresh strategies to get it sold."
2. Offer Value
Instead of just asking if they want to relist, provide insights or solutions. This could include:
Market analysis showing current trends.
Suggestions for home improvements that could increase value.
New marketing strategies that could attract more buyers.
Costs Involved
Pulling expired listings can be low-cost, especially if you have access to an MLS. However, consider these potential costs:
MLS subscription fees, if applicable.
Costs for online databases or skip tracing services.
Marketing materials for outreach, such as postcards or emails.
Tools to Use
Here are some tools that can streamline your process:
MLS access for pulling listings.
Public record websites for owner information.
Email marketing platforms for outreach.
Social media for networking.
Checklist for Pulling and Contacting Owners
Access your MLS and filter for expired listings.
Export the list of expired listings.
Research owner contact information.
Craft a personalized outreach message.
Follow up if you don’t hear back within a week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not personalizing your outreach can make you sound generic and untrustworthy.
Failing to research the property’s history may lead to irrelevant suggestions.
Being overly aggressive in your approach can turn potential clients away.
FAQs
What are expired listings?
Expired listings are properties that were listed for sale but did not sell within the listing period. These homes are often still owned by motivated sellers who may be open to new offers.
How can I find expired listings without an MLS?
You can find expired listings through online real estate platforms that track property sales, or by searching public records on county websites. Some websites also aggregate expired listings.
What should I say when contacting owners of expired listings?
When reaching out, start by acknowledging their previous listing and express empathy. Offer insights or solutions that could help them sell their property effectively.
How quickly should I follow up with an expired listing owner?
It’s best to follow up within a week of your initial contact. This shows your interest and keeps the conversation fresh in their mind.
Can I use expired listings for investment opportunities?
Yes, expired listings can be a great source of investment opportunities. Many owners are still interested in selling, and you may be able to negotiate favorable terms.
