Many investors think that [1] real estate listings will not help them find properties. They believe that owners of distressed home will not want to wait around for an agent. Investors spend lots of time and money finding deals in alternate ways. These ways include 800 numbers, bandit signs and stalking down deserted properties.

But you should not neglect any way that you can get good leads on investment properties. The use of real estate listings might yield better results than you expect. You can determine a certain set of things from a real estate listing. These things could help you spot a good potential investment.

Never neglect free sources of deals. Use real estate listings to help you find good investment properties. Keep an eye out for the following flags:

* Houses that have been listed for a long time. - For starters, it is possible that the owners are getting nervous. They might not know that they have options other than a real estate agent. They may feel as if you have thrown them a life preserver.

* Home prices that have been recently lowered - People who drop their asking prices are often motivated to sell. If they had time to spare they would wait it out. A drop in price can indicate that the owners need to get out.

* FSBO signs in yards or listings are promising - People selling their property themselves may have bitten off more than they can chew. They may be delighted to have any offer than gets them out of their current situation. They also may take a lower offer because they are not paying commission.

* • Properties that offer “creative” or owner-financing - Creative financing is by its very nature risky. It often involves working with buyers who do not have excellent credit or who cannot get bank loans. Property owners willing to take this kind of risk generally are motivated sellers.

As you can see, the real estate listings are a great source of leads. Use your local real estate listings to spot some potential deals today.