Calling buyers - leave a voicemail?

Question

Hi,

I've pushed off calling buyers long enough.  I sourced all of my online ones already via email.  So I took the plunge today and called some of the For Rent signs that I located in my farm area.

6 out of 4 were voicemails.  I left a message for each one, very general with my name and call back number, however didn't say why I was calling.

When you are contacting buyers and reach a voicemail, do you leave a message?

If you leave a message, is it general or very detailed as to why you are calling?  What luck have you had with your method?

Thanks!!
Danielle Cage

Nick J. · Answer

I don't leave a message. I'll call them back. I want them to answer the phone.

I recently did a video where I cold called buyers from craigslist. Its a shorter video, I got the 2nd guy I called, I didn't leave a voicemail or call the first guy back.

Jeff Warner · Answer

Curt,

I think she is looking for landlords who are listing one of their rentals, not distressed home owners. The goal is to obviously find landlords that want more deals.

I've never gone that route but I know people on here have had success building a buyers list that way.

Jeff

Danielle C. · Answer

One of my favorite quotes is that there is more than one way to skin a cat... and to get your foot in the REI door, I think you have to know 50 ways to do it.  You've just given me another way to get to a buyer!  I'd have to say, I would most likely employ this if I found that they purchased multiple properties in the last few years with cash or something that makes them an excellent candidate.

Thanks for the input - this really is what I love about this site: I would not have found that suggestion anywhere else!

Danielle

Danielle C. · Answer

You know Steve, I would aaalmost buy that if there actually were recordings about the properties... however sometimes there isn't even a personal greeting, just an automated voice saying what number you reached.  And on those that I left a message for?  Still haven't heard from them.  You would think, I know this sounds crazy, that someone who owns rental property would actually - wait- want to rent?   :D

Lol, I suppose it's their business, they can run it however they want.

Curt Davis · Answer

Danielle,

So you are calling For Rent signs hoping to ask the owner if they want to buy more houses?  They are most likely wanting to sell the home for rent rather then buy more.

As to a previous comment,  Some landlords get uncomfortable if they think your an investor and your going to try and take advantage of them.  Keep in mind your calling the signs where the homes look like they need some work. If you get them on the phone and they feel comfortable with you then it wont matter later when you tell them you buy rental homes.

Steve Babiak · Answer

Part of a landlord training I attended suggested the following, which may be why nobody is answering.

In order to not discriminate against any possible applicant for a rental, use a 24/7 recording describing the place as you would in any other advertisement, and allow for the caller to leave a message at the end.  The "fair housing council" will occasionally be actively "testing" for those who would be discriminatory; the recording is the same for all callers and hence does not discriminate in any way.

Now the landlord is allowed to select those who get the call returned ...

Sorry for sidetracking this a bit.

Danielle C. · Answer

Nick,

Funny story... I reached a person today via For Rent sign.  He actually owns 47 properties, so I'm thinking this is going to be a buyer.  By the end of the convo, he is offering to sell to me!  I think I need more work on leading the person I'm calling whe using your tactics.  I did turn it around and offer to sell to him... he's going to call me back and we'll discuss further.  Not bad.  Lol

Danielle C. · Answer

Curt - thanks for the reply.  I am a bit confused as to what you are saying though.  I am looking to add buyers to my list... is this something you would do to add a buyer?  I can't see how going to the house would help so maybe you thought I was trying to find sellers?  :)

Todd Mims · Answer

Make sure to get them on the phone...you don't have to lie to them, but you don't have to tell them your full intentions, either, if that make since. Why should they care? Are they ready to sell or what...is what they should be concern with.

Robert Mack · Answer

Is it a good idea to lie though?  What about when they find out what your intentions are with the property?  Won't you lose a lot of trust with them and any future potential referrals?

Calling buyers - leave a voicemail?

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