How to Find Houses for Sale by Owner

Did you know that around 7% of homes for sale are for sale by owner?

Chances are, if you’re house hunting, you want to be able to see all the options that are available to you. It can be easy to miss out on homes being sold by the owner because they aren’t listed in all the same places as homes being sold with the help of a real estate agent.

If you’re considering buying a new home and want to learn how to find houses for sale by owner so that you don’t miss out on what could be your dream home, continue reading to learn more.

1. Drive Through Neighborhoods

If you have a general idea of where you’d like to move, try taking a drive through the neighborhood during the day. 

If there’s a property for sale by owner, there will likely be a sign in the yard that shows that the house is for sale and has contact information as well.

You might not be able to see photos of the inside of the home before you check it out, but if the location and outside seem welcoming enough, it might be worth going in blind to see what the house has to offer.

Another positive aspect of driving through neighborhoods to find potential houses is that you get a true feel for the area during this time. You might find that you’d actually like to look somewhere else instead.

2. Home Sale Sites

Big real estate websites such as Zillow often have sections where you can filter and see homes specifically listed as for sale by owner.

The benefit of looking for homes this way is being able to see some photos. Typically at least a few exterior photos will be available. Oftentimes interior photos are shown too, even if they aren’t the best quality.

Usually, the sites require information about square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage information, etc., to be filled out. This will give you an idea of if the house is the right size for you without going to see it first.

3. Local Agents

Do you know a real estate agent that works in the area you’re interested in moving to? If so, it’s not a bad idea to check with them and see if they know of any property for sale by owner.

Even if they aren’t directly working with the seller, their job typically provides them with general information about homes for sale in the area. 

They also might be able to provide you with some information about the current pricing for the area and help you develop a strategy if you choose to make an offer. Just because the seller isn’t working with an agent doesn’t mean that you need to forgo one as well.

4. Small Sale Sites

Sellers will often use smaller sites like Craiglist or social media sites like Facebook Marketplace to list their homes.

Using these sites is free and simple, and they will often provide you with a way to contact the seller directly. For example, on Facebook, you can direct message the poster or comment on their post expressing interest.

From here, you should be able to set up an appointment to see the home in person.

5. Talk to Friends and Family

When you’re house hunting, try to let as many of your friends and family members know!

They might drive by a house and see a for sale sign, hear about someone about to list their home, etc. You might hear about homes for sale that you would have never known about otherwise.

The Bottom Line

Finding a home that’s for sale by owner is possible. But, there are some things that you should keep in mind as you search.

Watch Out for Scams

Unfortunately, there are many online scams out there designed to take advantage of unsuspecting people.

Remember that if anything feels off, it probably is. And never share unnecessary personal information with anyone. Working with a realtor to guide you through the transaction process is helpful because they know what to expect.

Don’t Forget About Your Home

If you buy a home that’s for sale by owner, the closing process might be quicker than you expect.

Because of this, you should be prepared to sell your house fast if need be.

Check Sites Daily

Try to look at websites for new listings every day. New things can pop up at any time, and depending on the market in your area, missing a house for even a day can cause you to lose out on it.

Financing

Some people that are selling their home on their own only want buyers who are willing to pay in all cash.

Try to ask about information like this upfront before wasting time touring the property and getting your heart set on it. For many, purchasing in all cash isn’t an option.

Likewise, if you’re buying the property to rent out, remember that there are special loans for this type of transaction, and it’s best to get this sorted out first as well.

How to Find Houses for Sale by Owner With Ease

Buying a house is an exciting venture. If you’re looking and want to see every possible available option, then learning how to find houses for sale by owner is essential.

This article walked you through five different ways to find houses that are being sold this way so that you don’t miss out. If you follow the tips in this article, you should be on your way to finding a new home in no time!

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