What is Skip Tracing?
I remember feeling puzzled when I first heard “skip tracing.” It made me think of skipping stones or some advanced hopscotch technique. But as I dug deeper, I realized it has nothing to do with child’s play. It’s a powerful tool used by collection agencies and savvy real estate investors. Hold on tight and prepare to discover the thrilling world of skip tracing!
Though it sounds like a fun afternoon in the park, it involves searching public and private databases to locate individuals who have “skipped” town or gone off the radar. It’s like playing detective but with a real estate twist.
In this post, we’ll dive into skip tracing and how it can benefit you in various situations. You might even be inspired to try some tracing services yourself (don’t go full-on with Sherlock Holmes on your neighbors).
So, keep reading if you’re ready to learn about real estate strategies that could turn you into the ultimate property sleuth. And who knows? Using your newfound skip-tracing knowledge, you might find a hidden gem or two. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility—use it wisely!
What is skip tracing?
Skip tracing is tracking down people who have gone off the radar. This could include defaulted renters, former employees, or debtors — anyone who has “skipped” town. The goal is to locate someone so lenders, landlords, real estate investors, and others can make contact.
Skip tracing can be time-consuming and requires access to public databases and private records unavailable to the general public. You have options for finding someone:
- Either you can try to do it yourself by playing the role of a detective
- Or you can seek the assistance of a third-party service or an expert. These professionals possess the necessary tools, connections, and expertise to efficiently and accurately locate individuals.
How do Real Estate Investors Utilize Skip Tracing?
As a real estate investor, discovering new strategies to gain an edge is always exciting. That’s where skip tracing comes into play. You can uncover information with the right techniques, opening doors to hidden opportunities.
In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore two main approaches: Free and Paid Skip Tracing. Examining these options reveals how you can effectively skip trace property owners, expand your investment opportunities, and stay ahead in the competitive real estate market.
So, let’s dive in and uncover the potential of this powerful tool, making your real estate investing journey even more successful and fulfilling.
Free Skip tracing
Believe it or not, several free skip tracing resources are available to help you track down property owners without spending a dime. While these internet search options may not be as comprehensive as hiring professional skip tracers, private investigators, or paid skip tracing software, they can still provide valuable information to get you started. Here are some of the most popular ways to skip trace free!
Google Search
It might seem obvious, but a simple Google search can reveal surprising information about an individual. By searching for their name and address, you might find the details you need to make a connection.
Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter can also be useful tools for skip tracing. They offer abundant personal information and can help you build a more comprehensive profile of the property owner you’re trying to locate.
People Finders
Several free people-finder websites can assist you in your skip tracing efforts.
Some popular options include
While these websites may provide less detail than paid services, they can still yield valuable leads to help you track down property owners.
Genealogy Sites
Genealogy sites, like FamilyTreeNow.com, can also be helpful in your skip tracing journey. These websites often contain extensive family records, addresses, and other pertinent information that can aid you in locating elusive property owners. However, remember that the accuracy of the information found on these sites may vary.
These free skip tracing resources will make you one step closer to connecting with property owners and expanding your real estate investment opportunities. Remember that while these tools can be helpful, they may not be as accurate or comprehensive as services provided by professional skip tracers.
The Benefits of Paid Skip Tracing Services
While free resources can be a great starting point, sometimes the information you need may require more work to find. Turning to a paid skip tracing service or software could be well worth the investment in these cases. Hiring a professional tracer or utilizing tools like BeenVerified.com gives you access to more comprehensive and accurate information, making your skip tracing work far more effective.
Professional tracers and skip tracing software have access to specialized databases and resources unavailable to the general public. They can often uncover information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and even details about associates or relatives. This wealth of knowledge can help you track down property owners more efficiently and ultimately make better-informed investment decisions.
Working with a paid service or tools can save you valuable time and effort. Instead of sifting through countless public records and search results, you can focus on what matters most: growing your real estate investment portfolio.
Better Paid Options for Tracking People
Consider several premium-paid options if you’re looking for more advanced and reliable methods to track down property owners. These services provide more accurate and up-to-date information and offer efficiency and comprehensiveness that free resources can’t match. Let’s take a look at the paid options for tracking people in your real estate investing journey:
BeenVerified
BeenVerified is a comprehensive background check service that includes contact details, property records, and criminal history. With its user-friendly interface and extensive database, BeenVerified can help you uncover valuable insights about property owners and potential investment opportunities.
Spokeo
Spokeo is another useful tool that combines information from various sources to create detailed profiles of individuals. This service can help you access information such as social media accounts, phone numbers, and email addresses, making it easier to connect with property owners and negotiate deals.
TLOx
TLOxp is a powerful software designed for professional investigators. With access to many databases and advanced search features, TLOxp can help you locate hard-to-find individuals and gather crucial information about property owners.
LexisNexis Accurint
LexisNexis Accurint is a comprehensive skip tracing platform that provides access to public records, credit reports, and other vital information. It’s a robust tool that can assist you in locating property owners, verifying their identities, and making well-informed investment decisions.
Investing in one of these premium-paid options, you’ll be better equipped to track down elusive property owners and uncover hidden real estate investment opportunities.
How can I perform batch skip tracing?
Batch skip tracing can be an extremely useful tool to maximize your efforts. This approach allows you to process multiple searches and quickly uncover valuable information. While it may not be free, the time and effort saved are often well worth the cost of a paid service or software program.
FAQ’s
Is it legal to skip tracing?
Yes, skip tracing is a legal practice. It is typically used to find people for legitimate purposes such as debt collection or locating missing persons. However, it is essential to note that specific laws and regulations govern the use of skip tracing in different countries and jurisdictions. In the US, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates debt collection agencies’ activities and prohibits using certain methods to locate individuals. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) also sets guidelines for contact with consumers, including how often a collector can attempt to reach someone by phone or email. It is important to be aware of these laws before skipping tracing activities.
What does skip tracing mean in real estate?
Skip tracing in real estate is finding property owners and other relevant information about a given property. This can involve researching public records, contacting contacts, using online databases, and more. It gives investors an edge by giving them the data they need to make informed decisions about their next investment. It can also help uncover potential deals that would otherwise remain hidden. By utilizing these techniques, investors can confidently proceed with a property purchase or sale, knowing they have the information they need to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
As explored in this blog post, skip tracing can be a powerful tool for real estate investors looking to gain an edge in the market. Whether you utilize free resources or invest in paid service, it’s important to consider the value these tools and techniques can bring to your investing journey. By harnessing the power of this technique, you can uncover hidden opportunities, make better-informed decisions, and grow your real estate portfolio more efficiently.
So, please take a moment to reflect on the insights we’ve shared and weigh the pros and cons of each approach. And when you’re ready to take the next step, check out our comprehensive guide on the best skip tracing tools for real estate investors. This will provide in-depth reviews and comparisons of top skip tracing tools, helping you make the most informed decision possible. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your real estate investing game—dive into our guide and unlock the full potential of skip tracing today!
