Cold calling and probate deals are key components in the toolbox of any successful real estate investor. In a recent episode of the Thought Leader Spotlight series hosted by Matt Kamp from DealMachine, Stefanie Kebede—a rising star in the real estate industry—shared her invaluable insights on these topics. This blog post distills the wisdom imparted by Stefanie, blending her experiences with practical advice that can benefit both novice and seasoned investors.
Stefanie Kebede's journey into real estate is both inspiring and instructive. She began her professional life feeling unsatisfied with her college experience, sensing that her path lay elsewhere. After a couple of false starts, Stefanie found her way into the world of real estate. Initially balancing warehouse and caregiver jobs, she eventually transitioned into full-time real estate, becoming both an agent and an investor.
"I'm a Christian and realize that God doesn't want us to have that money mindset. So that's when everything changed."
Stefanie's approach to real estate is multifaceted. Her portfolio includes wholesale deals, novation agreements, fix and flips, and even land deals. Recently, she has also been focusing on building her rental property portfolio, setting an ambitious goal of owning 100 rental units by the end of the year. As of mid-2023, she has already amassed 14 units, primarily focusing on multifamily properties.
Cold calling remains a controversial yet highly effective method for real estate prospecting. Stefanie emphasizes a relaxed and personal approach when making calls.
By diving deep into these questions, you can gauge the property’s status and the seller's situation, helping you determine if it's a warm or hot lead—perfect for setting an appointment.
Probate deals are another focal point of Stefanie's strategy. She finds these deals by scanning county records with the help of a virtual assistant (VA) and then sending out cold calls and direct mail.
One of Stefanie's strengths lies in her dual role as both a real estate agent and an investor. This dual capability allows her to offer sellers multiple options tailored to their needs:
Becoming comfortable with complex deal structures such as novation or subject-to deals often requires guidance. Stefanie credits her mentor and extensive use of available resources like YouTube for her knowledge and confidence.
"Getting a mentor has been huge. Once me and my partner got that mentor, we got that first deal, and then the next deals started rolling in."
Documenting her journey on social media platforms like YouTube has been beneficial for Stefanie, offering an additional income stream and serving as a 'real estate resume' to attract private money lenders.
Finding the right lender is crucial for any real estate investor. Stefanie suggests using your real estate resume, comprising social media documentation, to build credibility and attract funding from private money lenders.
Stefanie Kebede’s real estate tips offer invaluable guidance for anyone looking to dive into or improve their real estate investment strategies. From the importance of a personal touch in cold calling to leveraging social media for credibility, her insights are both practical and actionable. Stay persistent and consistent, as Stefanie advises, and the deals will start rolling in.
For more insights and detailed strategies, be sure to connect with Stefanie Kebede on her various social media platforms and keep an eye out for her future content.