Often real estate investors believe that real estate listings are not good lead sources. They believe that owners of distressed home will not want to wait around for an agent. Investors spend a lot of time and money using alternative methods to find deals. They may spend time using bandit signs, 800 numbers and offering rewards for information on deserted properties.

Any way that works for you to locate investment properties should not be overlooked. Using real estate listings can yield better results than you might think. You can learn a lot of important things from real estate listings. These things could possibly help you spot a good investment.

Do not overlook free sources for leads. Use real estate listings to locate great investment properties. You should watch for these types of flags:

* Keep an eye out for houses that have been listed a long time - For one thing, the owners may be getting nervous. They may be unaware that a real estate agent is not their only option. They may feel as if you have thrown them a life preserver.

* Check for lowered prices - People who drop their asking prices are often motivated to sell. After all, why take less money if you do not need to sell at all? The owner may need out if they have just dropped the price.

* FSBO signs in yards or listings are promising - It is likely that FSBO owners are overwhelmed. They may be glad to just get out of their situation. 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. Usually it involves working with buyers who cannot get bank loans. If a property owner will take this type of risk then they may be a motivated seller.

You can probably see now how real estate listings can be a great source of leads. Use your local paper to spot potential deals in real estate listings right away.