Finding a Buyer Once all the preparatory work is done, it is time to get your buyers there. Buyers can be found using many of the same methods as finding sellers. One effective way, besides advertising, is to simply talk to people. It will take time, but eventually, word gets out and you become known as a person who has good properties and good prices. In general, you have two classes of buyers, other investors or wholesale buyers, and prospective home owners or retail  buyers. Below are some common methods for generating interest and finding buyers.

• For Sale Signs: It may not seem like it, but signs are very effective. Statistically 40 percent of sales will come through use of signs. I have read that could be as high as 70 percent. Be sure to put your contact number on the sign so people can find you. It also helps to put signs up in high-traffic areas, pointing to your property, with an address posted. Just be sure to get permission before doing this. Make sure the number on your sign goes to a live person or a voice recording on the property with a subsequent number to find you. Nothing is more frustrating to a buyer then to not be able to buy. In our instant society people want to speak to someone right away or they look at other property. If you have a web site or e-mail address put it on your sign too. Don’t be hard to find and check messages often.

• Open House: An open house is also very effective. People like to be able to browse through and see what the home looks like. It is also easier to show to prospective buyers if you can tell them you have regular open houses. If you have a lot of activity do it daily. Advertise the event in the newspaper, put up signs, and post flyers with a tag line that says shown daily at 6:00 PM or by  appointment. You could even do a mailing if you wanted to target the entire neighborhood. Many people have friends and family that are in the market for a home. Word will spread, especially if the home looks nice. I like to have everyone that calls on a sign come at the same time to view the property. It makes kind of a mini-open house. It can save time to show it to multiple parties at the same time. It also creates excitement and sometimes encourages fence sitters. It puts a fear of loss in a buyer if he thinks it’s first come, first served. With a lot of interest, it's easier to get a larger earnest money check or deposit and hold firm on price when people see their competition. On the appointed day, make sure the house is ready to be sold. You don't want to show people through unfinished projects with tools and trash laying around. Assume people have no vision. Have a flyer available with basic information about the house. Tape one in the front window so you never run out and people can always get the information. The flyer should include:

·    A picture of the house
·    Full address
·    Asking price
·    Your name and contact information
·    Total square footage
·    Number and type of rooms (3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal dining room, etc.)
·    Any special features such as air conditioning, fireplaces, gas stoves, etc.
·    Local schools (elementary, middle, and high schools)
·    Typical annual taxes
·    Average utility costs
·    Special terms or financing options
·    Benefit statements

You don't have to spend a lot of money on this flyer, black and white copies are fine. However, make sure the information is clear, concise, and easy to read, with your contact information clearly visible. To make it even easier for you, our flyer maker is available on the 4RealEstateSuccess web site. Real Estate Agents Selling is also where your relationships with your local Realtors come in handy. As you network with them and they become familiar with the types of properties you have, they will be able to bring you more buyers. In many ways, working with real estate agents is like working with a contractor. There are good agents and bad agents. Consider also that a large percentage rotate in and out of the business, since it is commission based. New agents can be hungry and you represent repeat business. Once you find a good one, keep using him or her. If they earn consistent commissions from your homes, they will be more willing to work with you and help you make good deals. Nothing infuriates an agent more then working hard for a client then the client walks into an open house and buys from someone else. More and more agents are requiring buyer/agent agreements or even charging a small retainer to be offset against future commissions. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I would only do it once until you establish some credibility with them. The advantage to listing with an agent is reach. When people are in the market for a house, they generally go to a local real estate agency. The agents have access to all the area's listings in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and can help people find the home that suits their needs. This can bring you a lot of potential buyers as it exposes you to the retail market. The disadvantage to listing with an agent is cost. When your agent sells the house, you pay a commission, generally around six percent of the sale price. If you use an agent, just make sure you figure that cost into the final sale price of your house.

Other Options to Find Buyers:
There are many more ways to reach potential buyers. Some additional ideas include:

·    Newspaper advertising, either classified or display ads
·    For Sale by Owner services
·    Internet listings
·    Direct mailing, great for notifying existing contacts
·    Real estate clubs
·    Flyers
·    Investment clubs
·    Posting your property on WeBuyhouse911.com

There are as many ideas as there are investors. If one doesn't work well for you, try something else. Be persistent, and don't be afraid. If you keep at it, you will find the right buyer. Once you see your first profitable transaction, then the fun begins. You're on your way!

Reviewing the Process Now that you have been through the entire process, you should feel more comfortable about getting started. None of this is really a secret, or a mystery. The key to all of it is simply doing it a few times. Map out your strategy, formulate your plans and your goals, and DO IT!

Even with this intellectual background, it often helps to have a mentor—someone who has been through the process and has some practical experience. If you have a friend who can show you the ropes, great! If you are starting all by yourself, you may want to explore the options on Our program there includes coaches that can help you through every step of the process, from finding the leads, to writing the offer, to closing the deal. Whichever way you go, we wish you luck and success! Section Two discusses various real estate strategies, their benefits and pitfalls, and how to use them. Some people focus on a single strategy and stick to it. Others use multiple strategies. It all depends on your individual style, your comfort level with investing and risk, and your personal goals. Take a look at your options and then map out your plan to success!