It\u2019s sometimes possible to resolve those situations through simple internet searches, but those surface-level searches are often unreliable, time-consuming, and offer a relatively low success rate. Skip tracing, however, relies on a diverse array of data sources, from public records, such as court, property, and tax documents, to the vast expanse of social media, offering a glimpse into personal and professional lives of individuals, alongside private databases that provide in-depth information on location history and financial backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Utilizing more powerful investigative methods and tools learned from the skip tracing industry can improve agents\u2019 likelihood of success, and with it their return on the time and money invested.\u00a0 These methods include more creative and comprehensive use of public sources, such as social media, as well as paid tools including specialized databases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limitations of Skip Tracing for Real Estate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are plenty of extremely powerful skip tracing tools available on the market today.\u00a0 However, due to the regulated nature of the data they provide, most skip tracing tools necessitate permissible use cases.\u00a0 Typically, the data provided by skip tracing tools is sensitive personal information that\u2019s protected by law<\/a>, and only available to third parties under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act<\/a> (GLBA), for example.\u00a0 Because much of the data available through those services is derived from regulated data, it is also inaccessible to agents even if it can be replicated from unregulated sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information about navigating the world of regulated and unregulated data for prospecting in real estate, check out Spokeo\u2019s guide to Navigating Data in Real Estate<\/a>.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where Spokeo for Business offers a distinct advantage for real estate professionals. It does not require real estate agents to demonstrate permissible use for skip tracing prospects because its scope is limited to publicly available, non-regulated data, providing a streamlined approach to locating elusive clients or property owners. This flexibility is pivotal, as it allows agents to conduct their searches without the stringent prerequisites that might limit the utility of other services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it’s essential for agents to remain mindful of ethical considerations and adhere to best practices in data usage, ensuring their activities are conducted with respect and due diligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spokeo for Business stands out by offering comprehensive insights within a framework that is optimal for the real estate sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spokeo\u2019s data is aggregated from billions of publicly available records and over 5,000 individual data sources, including property tax and court records, databases from all levels of government, social media accounts, and public datacollected by private partners.\u00a0 All of that data (and much more) is available through Spokeo\u2019s simple, intuitive search interface, within seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever partial data you have at your disposal \u2013 a name, a phone number, an address, an email, or even an online username \u2013 a simple Spokeo search will help you fill in the missing pieces.\u00a0 The information returned by that initial search will vary, based on what\u2019s available and depending on the individual, but will typically include some combination of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The latter is among the most powerful tools at your disposal.\u00a0 Spokeo launched originally as a social-media aggregator, and still offers unparalleled insight into your search subject\u2019s online life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often the results of a single search, delivered within seconds, will provide all the data needed to successfully make contact.\u00a0 If not, using information from the initial results to craft additional searches will typically provide any still-missing data.\u00a0 Depending on the results received, agents might then (as long as done ethically and in a legally-compliant manner, especially related to telephone and online\/email solicitations):<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those agents or agencies operating in a team setting, with multiple agents or staff performing searches, Spokeo For Business\u2019 streamlined dashboard allows administrators to easily oversee and monitor their team\u2019s search history, add and remove team members, and view saved reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from the innate efficiency gains, this enables administrators to gauge their usage and (if necessary) change their subscription level to match their actual needs.\u00a0 Administrators can also hold individual agents or staffers accountable for searches that may indicate unethical or inappropriate use of Spokeo\u2019s powerful data tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spokeo For Business provides real estate professionals at any career stage with a competitive advantage.\u00a0 The product\u2019s user-centric design ensures that even tech-averse agents and staffers can use it with little to no training, but should training be required it\u2019s available as part of Spokeo\u2019s onboarding process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spokeo For Business is a safe choice for real estate professionals due to its offering of publicly available information.\u00a0 To be clear, it is still possible for individual agents to use their search results in ways that are unethical or potentially illegal; it remains the responsibility of agents and agencies to familiarize themselves, and remain in compliance with, any laws applicable in the jurisdictions where they operate. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, a hands-on trial is the best and most reliable way to assess the potential of a new tool. Ambitious agents and growth-minded agencies can arrange a demonstration of Spokeo For Business, or a trial of the product, by reaching out to our team through the contact form at the bottom of this page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fred Decker is a prolific freelance writer based in Atlantic Canada, with articles appearing in print and online since 2007. He writes primarily on technology, personal finance, and food and foodservice, drawing on previous careers in those industries. He was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia Community College, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available are for general informational purposes only<\/em>. Spokeo is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use this site to make decisions about credit, employment, tenant screening, or any purpose covered by the FCRA.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources<\/p>\n\n\n\n Squire Patton Boggs: Overview of Privacy and Data Protection Laws: United States<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n National Association of Realtors: FTC Issues New Requirements for Non-Banking Financial Institutions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n US Federal Trade Commission: Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Squire Patton Boggs: Overview of Privacy and Data Protection Laws: United States<\/a>US Federal Trade Commission: Fair Credit Reporting Act<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Making contact with potential sellers or clients is a core activity for real estate…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":282,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/pathfinder\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3756681-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSpokeo for Business is Your Best Source of Unregulated Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Using Spokeo for Skip Tracing in Real Estate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Skip Trace in Real Estate with Spokeo for Business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n