In real estate, finding the right property is only part of the job—finding the right person behind the property is just as important. That’s where skip tracing software comes in. Whether you’re a real estate investor, wholesaler, or agent, being able to locate hard-to-find property owners can open up valuable opportunities. But not all skip tracing tools are created equal.
Using accurate skip tracing software is key if you want to avoid dead ends and wasted time. A tool that gives you outdated or incorrect information can lead to frustration, missed deals, and a poor reputation. On the other hand, reliable skip tracing software helps you quickly find verified contact information, so you can focus on closing deals and growing your business.
In this blog, we’ll explore what skip tracing is, why accuracy matters, and how the right software can help you stand out in today’s competitive real estate market.
What Is Skip Tracing?
Skip tracing is a method used to find people who are hard to reach or who may have moved without leaving a clear trail. While it's often used by people like debt collectors and private investigators, skip tracing in real estate has become an essential tool for investors and agents.
In real estate, skip tracing is used to find the owners of properties that seem abandoned, vacant, or neglected. These property owners are often hard to contact through regular methods. With skip tracing, you can uncover their current phone numbers, email addresses, or mailing addresses—even if they’ve moved or changed their information.
This process helps real estate professionals connect with motivated sellers who might be ready to sell their properties. By using the right tools, skip tracing can turn hard-to-find owners into real business leads.
Why Accuracy Matters in Skip Tracing
When it comes to skip tracing software, accuracy is everything. Imagine spending hours searching for a homeowner, only to call a wrong number or send mail to an outdated address. Not only is it frustrating—it’s a waste of your time and energy. Even worse, it can make you look unprofessional to potential clients or partners.
That’s why using accurate skip tracing software is so important. The right tool gives you up-to-date contact information, like phone numbers and email addresses, so you can reach the correct person the first time. The best software gives you even more context for the person behind the property. It also helps you avoid chasing false leads or contacting the wrong individuals.
In real estate, every lead counts. If your information is off by even a little, you could miss out on a great deal. Accurate data helps you act quickly, build trust with sellers, and close deals faster. It can even give you an edge over competitors who are using outdated or free tools that don’t deliver reliable results.
Key Features of an Accurate Skip Tracing Software
Not all skip tracing tools are the same. If you want reliable results, you need software that is both powerful and easy to use. Here are some important features to look for:
- Reliable Data Sources: The best skip tracing software pulls information from many trusted sources. This helps make sure the contact details you get are correct and complete.
- Frequent Updates: Information changes fast. A good tool updates its data often so you’re not working with old phone numbers or addresses. Take DealMachine's skip tracing, for example; its contact information is updated every month, and you aren't paying to re-skip trace leads.
- Easy to Use: Even if the software has strong features, it should still be simple to use. A clean, easy-to-understand layout helps you enter data and find results without confusion.
Choosing a skip tracing tool with these features gives you a better chance of reaching the right people—and getting real results.
How Skip Tracing Software Helps Real Estate Investors
If you’re a real estate investor, using accurate skip tracing software can make a big difference. It helps you find property owners fast—especially those who are hard to reach, like absentee owners or people who’ve moved without leaving updated contact info.
By getting correct phone numbers or email addresses, you can connect with sellers quickly. This makes it easier to find deals, start conversations, and build relationships.
A good skip tracing tool doesn’t just save time; it helps you make smarter decisions. It gives you detailed info about the owner and the property, so you know whether it’s worth pursuing. Plus, having accurate data lets you personalize your outreach, which increases your chances of making a deal.
In short, the right skip tracing software gives real estate investors an edge in a competitive market.
Choosing The Right Skip Tracing Software
Not sure which skip tracing tool to use? The best software is accurate, easy to use, and updates often. Before picking one, ask yourself: Does this tool give me the right info quickly and clearly?
Here are some tips to help you choose the right skip tracing software:
- Look for accuracy: Make sure the tool gives correct and up-to-date contact info. Old or wrong data wastes your time.
- Check how often it updates: The more often the data is refreshed, the better your chances of getting useful results.
- Make sure it’s user-friendly: A simple, clean design helps you focus on finding leads, not figuring out how the tool works.
- Test before you commit: If possible, try a free trial or demo to see if the software meets your needs.
Choosing the right tool can make your outreach smoother, faster, and more effective. Remember, the goal is not just to get contact info—it’s to get the right info.
You can learn more about the contact information available in DealMachine in the video below.
Conclusion
In real estate, having the right information at the right time can lead to big opportunities. That’s why using accurate skip tracing software is so important. It helps you find hard-to-reach property owners, save time, and close more deals.
If you want to stay ahead of the competition, invest in a reliable skip tracing tool—and make sure it gives you the accurate, up-to-date data you need to succeed.
FAQ: Skip Tracing Software for Real Estate
How does skip tracing help find off-market deals?
It gives you accurate contact info for owners of vacant or distressed properties, so you can reach them before their property hits the market.
Is free skip tracing reliable?
Yes—if it’s from a trusted source. DealMachine offers free skip tracing powered by the same data used by 911 directories, and which power most of the Caller IDs in the USA, making it both free and reliable.
Is skip tracing legal in real estate?
Yes, as long as it’s used responsibly and in compliance with data privacy laws.
How can I check if a skip tracing tool is accurate?
Test it on a few known contacts, check update frequency, and ask about their data sources.
How often should I use skip tracing?
Use it regularly as part of your lead generation—especially if you're targeting absentee owners or off-market properties.
