Many investors think that real estate listings will not help them find properties. They think that if people have distressed homes they will not have time to wait around for an agent. Investors often devote a lot of time and money to alternative methods of finding deals. These alternatives often include staking out deserted properties, using bandit signs and 800 numbers.

But you should never neglect good sources of leads on investment properties. Using real estate listings can yield better results than you might think. You can determine a certain set of things from a real estate listing. These things could help you spot a good potential investment.

Do not overlook free sources for leads. You can and should use real estate listings to locate good investment properties. Always keep an eye open for these flags:

* • A house that has been listed for a long time - The owners might be getting nervous if a house has been listed for a long time. They may not know that a real estate agent is not their only option. They likely will consider your interest with excitement.

* Look for home prices that have just been lowered - Motivated sellers often are compelled to drop their asking prices. After all, if they had time to spare then they would wait out the buyers. If an owner needs to get out, a drop in price may be an indicator.

* A FSBO sign is a good sign - It is likely that FSBO owners are overwhelmed. They may just be happy to be out of the situation that they were in. They also may take a lower offer because they are not paying commission.

* Properties that offer owner financing have big potential. - Creative financing is by its very nature risky. It may involve working with buyers who do not have enough credit to get a bank loan. A property owner who will take this risk is often a motivated seller.

It is probably clear now that real estate listings are a great source of leads. Pick up your local real estate listings and start spotting potential deals.