In off-market real estate, deals happen quietly. These are transactions that don’t show up on big listing sites. There’s no “For Sale” sign and no open houses. But that doesn’t mean things are outdated. In fact, this side of real estate is being reshaped—fast—by tech.
Brandon Gilkey knows this better than most. As a real estate consultant and deal architect, he’s spent years working directly with sellers in tough situations and investors looking for real value. Teams exploring data integrations and workflow automation often turn to custom real estate software development to address unique operational needs. He’s not a traditional agent. He builds custom, creative solutions—often through off-market deals. “Every seller’s situation is different,” he says. “Technology lets us move faster, more clearly, and in ways that just weren’t possible even five years ago.”
Let’s break down how it’s all changing—and what that means for investors, sellers, and dealmakers.
Faster Lead Generation
Finding motivated sellers
In the past, finding a seller meant door-knocking or hoping someone answered a postcard. Now, it starts with data.
Platforms like PropStream, REIPro, and BatchLeads give access to public records, tax liens, eviction filings, and probate info—all in one place. Real estate consultants can now target owners who actually need to sell.
“Before, I had to piece things together from five sources,” Brandon says. “Now I pull a list of 200 leads in 10 minutes. That’s changed everything.”
Smarter targeting
Algorithms flag sellers showing signs of distress—like missed mortgage payments or sudden ownership changes. Investors don’t waste time. Sellers who need fast solutions get connected faster. This speed creates more win-win deals, which is Brandon’s focus.
Easier Communication and Faster Decisions
Texting, not mailing
Cold calls are fading. In their place: texting platforms that reach sellers in seconds. Services like Launch Control or Lead Sherpa automate messages while keeping them personal.
“Texting got me a deal last year that would’ve taken weeks by mail,” says Brandon. “The seller had two weeks before foreclosure. We got her an offer in three hours.”
Video and screen sharing
When a seller is out of state or can’t meet, platforms like Zoom, Loom, or even FaceTime make it easy to show property damage or walk through documents together. No more waiting.
Deals can start, move, and close without meeting in person. That’s critical in time-sensitive situations.
Virtual Property Evaluation
Seeing without being there
One of the biggest challenges in off-market deals is understanding property conditions. Now, mobile apps let sellers upload walk-through videos instantly.
There are also remote inspection tools using 360° cameras or drones. In fire-damaged, vandalized, or occupied properties, this helps buyers assess risk without setting foot inside.
“Sometimes a tenant won’t let anyone in,” says Brandon. “I’ve had sellers film a walk-through while I guide them over the phone. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than guessing.”
Mapping repairs and value
Contractors and real estate pros now use tools like FlipperForce or HouseCanary to estimate repair costs and resale value. These tools save time and reduce surprises.
It also helps when negotiating. Investors can make fair offers backed by data. Sellers get clear explanations of how numbers are built.
Streamlined Paperwork and Closings
Mobile notaries and e-signing
With tools like DocuSign, deals move faster. No printing. No meetings. Just tap, sign, and go. Remote online notarization (RON) is now legal in most states, and growing.
“You can close a deal from your phone during lunch,” says Brandon. “I’ve done it. I’ve helped sellers who didn’t even own a computer get through it on their phone.”
Title and escrow go online
Title companies like Qualia and JetClosing offer full transaction dashboards. Everyone sees progress in real time: buyers, sellers, escrow, and lenders.
This reduces confusion, speeds up deal flow, and cuts out the “Where are we at?” emails.
More Transparent Deal Structuring
Interactive calculators and comps
Online platforms now let sellers and investors plug in numbers and instantly see results. Want to try a subject-to or seller finance deal? There’s a calculator for that.
This makes it easier to explain win-win structures and helps everyone understand what’s fair.
“You don’t need to be a finance expert,” Brandon says. “I’ll open my screen, show the calculator, and say, ‘Here’s what your net looks like.’ People appreciate that transparency.”
Data-backed offers
AVMs (automated valuation models) are more accurate than ever. Instead of guessing, investors use software to estimate a home’s after-repair value with real comps and market trends.
It keeps both sides honest—and confident.
Stats That Show the Shift
- According to ATTOM, over 25% of single-family rentals purchased by investors in 2023 were off-market deals.
- Zillow reports that homes listed off-market tend to sell faster in tight inventory markets.
- A 2024 PropTech survey found that 62% of investors now use at least three tech tools in every transaction.
These numbers show where the trend is going—and why staying updated matters.
Actionable Tips for Sellers and Investors
For sellers in crisis:
- Answer messages quickly. Speed matters.
- Be open to video walkthroughs or remote discussions.
- Ask questions. Good investors will walk you through the math.
For investors:
- Use tools like PropStream, BatchLeads, and DocuSign.
- Keep your CRM organized. Follow up often.
- Show sellers how the deal helps them—not just you.
Technology isn’t replacing off-market real estate—it’s improving it. It helps good consultants work faster, stay organized, and treat people better.
“Tech doesn’t replace relationships,” says Brandon. “It just gives us more ways to serve people when they need it most.”
The future of off-market deals isn’t just faster. It’s smarter, more honest, and more human—if used the right way.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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