So you wanna get started investing in Sacramento and you’re checking things out, eh?
Real estate investing resources in Sacramento? Smart move. Do your due diligence now and you’ll avoid costly mistakes later.
As experienced investors since 1992, we’ve compiled valuable tools that we personally use for property evaluation, especially for distressed properties, tenant-occupied homes, and probate situations in Sacramento.
The best part? Most of these resources below won’t cost you a dime!
Here are some essential sites every serious investor should bookmark:
1. Zillow
Zillow dominates the real estate website landscape, collecting comprehensive property data that’s particularly useful for older homes like those built in the 1950s and 60s throughout Florin, South Sacramento, and Oak Park.
The CEO of Zillow, Spencer Rascoff, has noted that their company’s greatest asset is their “living database of all homes”—something we leverage when evaluating properties for cash purchases.
The Zestimate tool has its limitations, as many people have noticed. While it’s interesting to see computer-generated valuations, nothing replaces knowing how to properly analyze comparable properties and evaluate market conditions yourself.
Invest time on Zillow to understand the details of each property sold in your target Sacramento neighborhoods, especially in areas like Del Paso Heights and North Highlands. Try to understand the psychology behind pricing decisions and why buyers and sellers agreed on specific amounts.
Remember, each transaction represents a small piece of the larger market puzzle—something we’ve been analyzing since establishing our local business in 1992.
Zillow provides invaluable insights for investors looking to understand their target markets, particularly for those dealing with inherited properties or divorce situations.
2. Craiglist
Craigslist remains a goldmine for deals if you’re willing to put in the time. We’ve found that many distressed properties and tenant-occupied homes are poorly advertised here. Across Ca, some excellent investment opportunities only get one inadequate listing, so thorough research is essential.
3. LoopNet
LoopNet stands as the premier platform for commercial real estate investing—something we’ve utilized during our 30+ years of experience in the industry.
If you’re looking to market substantial properties to institutional investors, this is the platform you’ll want to utilize for maximum exposure.
While LoopNet occasionally features excellent opportunities, you’re competing with numerous other investors. Success typically requires being a seasoned investor working alongside a top-tier broker. This platform isn’t ideally suited for newcomers to real estate.
LoopNet provides valuable insights into Sacramento‘s market trends and major investment movements. You’ll gain surprising knowledge by monitoring property listings and tracking their closing prices, especially in neighborhoods like Oak Park where we specialize.
4. Auction.com
True to its name, Auction.com serves as a comprehensive auction marketplace for foreclosures, REOs, short sales, distressed properties, land, and new construction—all property types we’ve handled as veteran buyers with extensive experience in eviction processes.
We recommend reviewing their auction calendar and attending some Sacramento auctions. These events offer excellent networking opportunities—you might even connect with your next business partner or meet our team since we’re local investors who’ve been in Sacramento since 1992.
5. Realtor.com
As the largest portal for MLS (multiple listing service) searches, Realtor.com can sometimes be confusing and inconsistent in its data presentation, especially when researching older homes from the 50s and 60s in areas like Florin and North Highlands.
However, it offers useful search alerts and tools that notify you when brokers list new properties in your target neighborhoods. For serious investors, we recommend establishing a relationship with a qualified Realtor or licensed broker like Darren Brown, rather than relying solely on websites.
6. Walkscore
Many investors underestimate the value of Walkscore.com—a significant oversight when evaluating properties in Sacramento’s diverse neighborhoods.
Walkscore provides comprehensive information about any address, showing how potential renters or buyers will evaluate it based on nearby amenities and accessibility—crucial factors when dealing with tenant-occupied properties.
It’s an excellent tool for identifying undervalued areas with high potential. Neighborhoods with high walkscores but lower prices often experience value growth in subsequent years. While exceptions exist, walkability remains a critical factor in Sacramento real estate investment, especially in our primary areas of South Sacramento and Oak Park.
These resources will help you understand the Sacramento market if you invest time in using them properly. Conduct thorough research and develop market knowledge before committing your hard-earned money to property investments, particularly with challenging situations like probate or inherited homes.
Feel free to call us at (916) 300-7962 – as an A+ BBB-rated, veteran-owned business since 1992, we frequently partner with investors and offer favorable terms, especially for properties with tenant issues or requiring eviction assistance.
Looking to access local Sacramento investment opportunities, particularly in older homes from the 50s and 60s? We can help!