Discussions

Looking for suggestions on best way to approach homeowners  
of a house we are interested in.

Is the house for sale currently?

Would like owners to know of interest if/when they decide to sell

introduce yourself, and explain your desire. Simple.

Beajulsha said "Looking for suggestions on best way to approach homeowners   of a house we are interested in. "

Hope its my house!

I would just knock on the door and ask if they are considering selling and if not at the moment leave your number when they decide to sell.  
If you really really want their house offer a good price or offer to pay their moving company to make their moving smooth.

Has anyone done this approach. Should interested buyers knock on the door or ask a real estate agent to do so on their behalf?

Just go knock on the door! Or if you aren't comfortable with that write a note and put it in their mailbox with your contact info.  
 
If you are going to get a realtor to do it be prepared to pay for their service.  
 
Edited by TWENTY, 2017-04-10 18:26:56

Stare into their window while they are eating supper and when they come out to ask you what the hell you are doing, ask them if they are interested in selling their house because you heard there were peeping toms in the area. Or maybe tell the cops if they show up first. ;)

knock on the door or write them a letter  
I have had both kinds of offer to purchase. The in person offer I turned down. The letter-I just ignored it. Meant to reply but never got around to it and then forgot about it. Also had a phone call one time-that was an odd deal as the caller was obviously lying about where she got her info from (I knew the truth)-turned her down as well.

My grandma once had a couple knock on her door and express their interest to purchase as they were so in love with the house. Made her an offer she couldn't refuse. I say go for it and let your interest be known, even if they turn you down.

Beajulsha said "Has anyone done this approach. Should interested buyers knock on the door or ask a real estate agent to do so on their behalf? "

A realtor told me that they (realtors) are not permitted to approach individual homeowners about selling their homes.  
 
Edited by hisluvmonkey, 2017-04-10 23:15:08

hisluvmonkey said "    Beajulsha said "Has anyone done this approach. Should interested buyers knock on the door or ask a real estate agent to do so on their behalf? " A realtor told me that they (realtors) are not permitted to approach individual homeowners about selling their homes.     Edited by hisluvmonkey, 2017-04-10 23:15:08"

I've had real estate agents ask me if I'd be interested in listing my home.

fargobob said "    hisluvmonkey said "    Beajulsha said "Has anyone done this approach. Should interested buyers knock on the door or ask a real estate agent to do so on their behalf? " A realtor told me that they (realtors) are not permitted to approach individual homeowners about selling their homes.     Edited by hisluvmonkey, 2017-04-10 23:15:08" I've had real estate agents ask me if I'd be interested in listing my home. "

This is not a recent change but yes, they risk losing their licence if they are reported for doing so. As with most things, most people obey the rules, but some don't and if there is no one to report it, they are not caught.

How about commercial property? I've had that happen more recently than my home.

Does approaching homeowners risk drivIng up price?

hisluvmonkey said "    Beajulsha said "Has anyone done this approach. Should interested buyers knock on the door or ask a real estate agent to do so on their behalf? " A realtor told me that they (realtors) are not permitted to approach individual homeowners about selling their homes.     Edited by hisluvmonkey, 2017-04-10 23:15:08"

There's a well known realtor whose face is plastered on local benches who's knocked on my dad's door half a dozen times, the most recent time being last summer. She was quite pushy and tried letting herself in and look around beyond the landing. If it indeed is frowned upon by the realty community, I think someone needs to tell her.

In the process of taking the real estate course and after going thru all the manuals, there is NO mention of not knocking on someone's door to ask if their interested in selling. It's called self promotion. Most realtors don't do it because it's a lot of work with a small chance of success. Just like they don't make a lot of cold calls any more because of the numerous telemarketers out there. I would knock on some doors if a client was interested in buying in a certain area. Worst they can say is no and it's good exercise.

Is the realtor making enquiry  
on your dads home on behalf of a potential buyer?

Beajulsha said "Is the realtor making enquiry   on your dads home on behalf of a potential buyer? "

No. She just likes the house and the area (near a school)