What Is Skip Tracing in Real Estate and Why It’s a Deal-Making Skill
Most beginner investors think skip tracing is just about finding a phone number. In reality, it’s a critical part of lead generation that separates casual investors from serious closers.
What Skip Tracing Actually Means
In real estate, skip tracing refers to the process of locating the contact information of a property owner when it’s not easily found through public data. That might include:
- Absentee landlords
- Owners of vacant or distressed homes
- Heirs of inherited properties
- People who moved without leaving a forwarding address
Instead of giving up on a promising lead, skip tracing gives you a second chance to connect with the owner and potentially win a deal your competitors never even saw.
When You Need to Skip Trace
You might skip trace a lead when:
- A direct mail campaign is returned as undeliverable
- The county records show an outdated address
- The lead is off-market and doesn’t appear on major databases
- You’re working a Driving for Dollars list with minimal owner data
Whether you’re cold calling or texting, getting that accurate contact information is your first unlock.
What Makes a Good Skip Tracing Tool?
Accuracy matters more than volume. A cheap tool that gives you bad numbers will waste your time and hurt your deliverability. Here’s what to look for:
- High match rates (especially for mobile numbers)
- Integrated workflows (skip trace, then call or text)
- Fast turnaround time
- Compliance with privacy regulations
Tools like REsimpli give you verified contact info within the CRM itself, so there’s no delay in launching campaigns.
The Bottom Line
Skip tracing is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. If you’re investing in real estate and not using skip tracing in your lead process, you’re leaving money on the table.
To find out which tool is right for your budget and use case, check out our full comparison of the best skip tracing tools for real estate investors in 2025. Click here!
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Sharad Mehta