How to Pull High-Equity, Off-Market Property Lists That Actually Convert

If you’re serious about finding off-market properties with tons of equity and motivated sellers, pulling the right list is everything. Tools like DealMachine and Batch Leads are powerful—but only if you know how to use them right.

Here’s the exact filter strategy to find older properties with high equity and owners ready to sell.

1. Target Properties Owned for 10+ Years

Long-term owners = built-up equity and higher chances they’re ready to sell.

• Think retirees, empty nesters, or people ready to downsize.

• Life changes like retirement or kids moving out often prompt the decision to sell.

• Filter for properties owned 10+ years—these are the sellers thinking about a lifestyle change.

Why it works: People who’ve owned homes for a decade or more have likely paid down their mortgage significantly, making them more motivated to cash out.

2. Focus on High-Equity Properties (60-100%)

The more equity, the more profit for the seller—and the more likely they’ll sell.

• Filter for properties with 60-100% equity.

• High equity means fewer complications and faster closings.

• Sellers with more equity have flexibility in negotiations, making deals easier to close.

Pro Tip: High-equity properties often belong to owners who are debt-free, making them prime candidates for cash offers.

3. Look for Older Homes (30+ Years Old)

Old homes = maintenance headaches. Many owners want out before sinking more money into repairs.

• Filter for properties built 30+ years ago.

• These homes usually need updates, making them prime opportunities for investors.

• Older homes may have outdated systems (plumbing, electrical) that motivate owners to sell.

Why it matters: Properties that require work are often undervalued and perfect for flipping or renting after renovations.

4. Absentee Owners = Motivated Sellers

Landlords tired of dealing with tenants or managing properties from afar? Highly motivated to sell.

• Filter for absentee owners or out-of-state owners.

• These owners don’t have emotional ties and are often looking to offload properties quickly.

• Tired landlords facing tenant issues or vacancies are prime targets.

Pro Tip: Absentee owners are often less emotionally attached, making negotiations smoother and faster.

5. Add Pre-Foreclosure Status for Quick Deals

Owners in pre-foreclosure are facing financial stress and need quick solutions.

• Filter for pre-foreclosure to find sellers motivated to avoid foreclosure and protect their credit.

• Pre-foreclosure properties often come with urgency, meaning quicker closings.

• These sellers are looking for fast, hassle-free transactions.

Why this works: You’re helping distressed homeowners avoid a financial crisis while securing a great deal.

6. Combine Criteria for Maximum Impact

Want to pull a list of highly motivated sellers? Use all these filters together:

• 10+ years owned

• 60-100% equity

• 30+ year-old properties

• Absentee owners

• Pre-foreclosure status

Why this combination works:

• Equity + Motivation: High equity means profit potential for both the seller and you. Combine that with life changes (downsizing, absentee ownership, financial stress), and you’ve got a goldmine.

• Older Homes: Properties needing work often scare off traditional buyers but attract investors looking for value.

• Urgency: Pre-foreclosure status adds an extra layer of motivation for sellers to act fast.

How to Use DealMachine & Batch Leads Effectively

Both DealMachine and Batch Leads offer powerful filtering tools, but here’s how to maximize their potential:

• DealMachine:

  • Use their driving-for-dollars feature to identify distressed properties.

  • Layer on filters like ownership length, property age, and equity to refine your list.

• Batch Leads:

  • Batch Leads excels at pulling large lists with precise filters.

  • Combine equity filters with absentee ownership and pre-foreclosure for hyper-targeted lists.

Pro Tip: Regularly update your lists to stay ahead of the competition. Motivated sellers’ situations can change quickly.

Final Thoughts: The Difference Between Wasting Time and Closing Deals? Pulling the Right List

The secret to off-market success isn’t just sending more mail—it’s targeting the right people.

• Target older homes with maintenance issues.

• Focus on high-equity properties for smoother negotiations.

• Identify long-term and absentee owners who are ready to move on.

• Use pre-foreclosure status to find sellers who need fast solutions.

Tools like DealMachine and Batch Leads let you fine-tune your search so you’re not just blasting out campaigns—you’re targeting the people most likely to sell.

Next time you’re pulling a list, use these filters and watch how fast your deal flow picks up.

Need help setting up your filters or refining your strategy? Reach out, and I’ll share more tips to help you find high-equity, off-market properties that actually convert.

-Robbie