If you’re like me, you’re probably tired of the same old traditional ways of acquiring properties. That’s why I love subject-to properties. There’s something about the way they let you acquire a property without the usual hassle, without taking on all the debt, and without the headache of going through lengthy paperwork and approvals. When you find the right homeowner who’s willing to transfer ownership, put the property into a trust, and agree to a lease option or rent-to-own agreement, you’re onto something big. But here’s the thing: once you’ve acquired that property, you’re going to want to know how to take it from being an empty asset to a performing one.
And here’s the secret sauce: advertising. That’s right. You can have the most beautiful property in the world, but if you don’t advertise it properly, no one’s going to know about it. No one’s going to care about it. And that’s the first rule of business, folks: if no one knows about your opportunity, how do you expect to gain clients, leads, or even make a sale?
In this post, I’m going to walk you through exactly what you need to do to take that property of yours and turn it into a high-performing income-generating asset, all thanks to a little thing called advertising.
Step 1: Get Your Bandit Signs
First things first, you’re going to need bandit signs. These little beauties are an absolute game-changer when it comes to marketing your property. And no, you don’t need to make a huge investment. You can get these signs in bulk for as low as $1.50 each, or sometimes even less if you order a minimum amount.
Where can you get these amazing signs? Simple. Go to dirtcheapsigns.com. They sell bandit signs in bulk, and let me tell you, it’s a steal. You can get 50 signs for as little as $75, which is practically nothing when you consider the kind of returns you’ll get from these signs.
Now, here’s a pro tip: always get the H-frame stakes for your bandit signs. Why? Because these stakes hold up better and keep your signs sturdy no matter what the weather’s like. Trust me, you don’t want your signs flopping around in the wind. It makes you look… well, unprofessional. And we’re not here for that.
Once you have the bandit signs, grab a marker and start writing your message. It’s crucial that your message is short, enticing, and straight to the point. I’m going to share exactly what I write on mine in a future video, so stay tuned.
Where should you put your signs?
- High traffic areas. Seriously, don’t waste time putting your signs in obscure corners. Put them where people can see them, and by “people,” I mean drivers and walkers. Think about it: You want to catch people’s attention when they’re on the go.
- Put one on the property itself. This one’s a no-brainer, right? The property you’re selling, of course, should have a sign.
- Put one at the entrance of the neighborhood. This is where people are coming in and out, so you’re going to get the most eyes on your sign.
- Put one near a school. Not in front of the school, obviously, because that’ll block traffic and probably annoy the principal. But you can definitely put a sign at the corner of the street near a school where parents will see it.
- Hardware stores. Here’s a little secret: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Menards, and other hardware stores are goldmines for bandit signs. Why? Because contractors shop there. And contractors? Well, they often have a cyclical income, meaning they have lots of cash available during busy seasons (and who doesn’t want that cash?). They also tend to have a hard time qualifying for mortgages. So, your property could be the perfect solution for them. Keep your signs at these spots, and you’ll be surprised at the results.
Step 2: Take Pictures and Video
Now that your signs are up and you’re ready to roll, it’s time to get visual. And no, I don’t mean you need a fancy camera crew. I’m talking about the power of a simple smartphone.
First, take a video walk-through of the property. One video should cover the exterior—that’s the curb appeal, the neighborhood, and the surrounding area. The second video should cover the interior—show off those beautiful hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, or maybe that brand-new washer/dryer combo.
Make sure you have two folders: one for the exterior video and one for the interior video. This way, when you upload them, everything’s organized. Trust me, you don’t want to spend hours scrolling through hundreds of unorganized photos looking for the right one.
In addition to the videos, make sure you take clear, high-quality photos. The better your pictures look, the more likely someone is going to be interested. And don’t forget to write a detailed description of the property. Does it have stainless steel appliances? Hardwood floors? Is it a two-year-old property? A five-year-old property? Write down all the benefits. Make people want this property.
Step 3: Post on Craigslist and Facebook
Once your videos and photos are ready, it’s time to get them online. Start with Craigslist. You’ve probably used Craigslist before, and if not, welcome to the world of old-school digital marketing. You’ll want to create a post that highlights the benefits of the property, and of course, include those pictures and videos. Don’t make it too long-winded, but give enough detail to entice potential renters or buyers.
Then, head over to Facebook Marketplace. I know, I know—some of you might be terrified of your family seeing your post, but guess what? It’s a great platform to get eyes on your property. If you’re shy about it, then set your posts to be private, or just post to Marketplace. Don’t let fear hold you back.
Step 4: Work with Realtors
Here’s where things get a little tricky, so listen up. Not all realtors are created equal. And just like with mechanics or contractors, you have to do your homework to find the right realtor who’s best suited for what you’re trying to do.
So, what should you look for in a realtor?
- Experience with lease options/rent-to-own properties. Make sure they’ve dealt with these types of deals before, so they don’t waste your time.
- Their demographic. Some realtors specialize in high-end properties, and others deal with more budget-friendly options. If your property is in a lower-income area, then you don’t want to be working with a realtor who caters to million-dollar homes.
If you’re wondering why in the world you’d want to work with a realtor for a lease option, I’ll tell you why: Professionals. In bigger cities like California, New York, or Florida, higher-income professionals often hire realtors to help them find properties to lease. Why? Because they’re busy and they trust professionals to get the job done. Same applies to your property. Realtors will help you find the right people to lease your property, and they’ll still get a commission.
Step 5: Reach Out to Mortgage Loan Officers
Finally, it’s time to reach out to mortgage loan officers (MLOs). Why? Because they have leads. Think about it: MLOs know people who have been turned down for traditional mortgages or have the credit to qualify, but just need a little help.
So, how do you find the right MLOs? Go to Zillow, type in your property’s address, and scroll to the bottom of the listing. You’ll find MLOs who have worked in your area. Write their names down, give them a call, and make sure they know about your rent-to-own opportunity. It’s a win-win for both parties.
Step 6: Put It All Together
Now, before we wrap this up, let’s quickly review what you’ve learned:
- Bandit Signs: Get them, place them in high-traffic areas, and make sure your message is enticing.
- Pictures and Video: Take quality photos, make walkthrough videos of the exterior and interior, and highlight the property’s best features.
- Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace: Post your property on both platforms with a clear, compelling description.
- Realtors: Work with a realtor who understands your demographic and lease options.
- Mortgage Loan Officers: Get in touch with MLOs who can help connect you with potential tenants who may be looking for a rent-to-own property.
Give yourself at least 20 days for all of this. With patience and persistence, you’ll start seeing results.
That’s it, folks. Now get out there, follow this plan, and watch as your property transitions from an empty asset to a profitable, performing one.
You got this.
