I have located a property with problems, how to contact the owner?

Question

Here's the situation:

I have come across quite a few vacant for a long time, in dire need of repairs, or otherwise problematic properties. I know the addresses and the owners details. What would the best way to contact them and find out whether they have thought of selling?

IMHO at first knowing a lot about the property might seem a bit shady for the owner. On the other hand it will show I know what I am talking about and have done my homework.

Should I just give them a call? Or send a letter at first? If a letter, how detailed should it be?

... what has worked for you in situations like this?

Monica Breckenridge · Answer

I used to do this all the time before I had money for marketing. I would door knock the foreclosure list and often would find homes vacant. Here's what I did that was very successful: 1. Leave a note and info package on the house, just in case they live in the area and come back periodically. 2. knock on every neighbors house and ask them for information on where they are, do they have a phone #, do they know where they work, do they have their email. This is where you become a detective and try to dig for as much info as possible. 3. Once you get some clues for example work you can call them up at their work or you can look them up on social media websites like Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter and send them a message. I have found many people this way. 4. Look on the assessor webpage to see if a new mailing address has been documented. If so knock on that door. 5. Do a reverse address search on www.PhoneNumber.com. If they have a home phone they may have transferred it with them. 6. Do a name search on phone number.com and search for just in your city. you make find their new address this way, even if they don't have a phone # recorded. 7. Leave notes on all the neighbors doors if they aren't there. 8. Phonenumber.com the neighbors to get their phone #'s to call them if they weren't home. 9. Write the homeowner a letter and hopefully it will forward to their new address. Persistence is key and never give up. I was very successful when I started out because I was very persistent. I'm sure I had more creative ways, but this was what came to my mind first.

Account Closed · Answer

I start with a letter. It just says if you're interested in selling, I'm interested in buying. No need to get all detailed on them. Most houses I have bought are as you described and with few exceptions I start with the letter. Some of them may come back as undeliverable, so that's a clue that that you need to hunt down the owner. Or if the owner is deceased, you'll need to find the heirs. When you start getting calls that's when you'll find out more: whether there is any equity, other kinds of ownership issues, etc. Let the sellers tell you their problems or issues. Sellers rarely need you to tell them what's wrong with the house. Keep what you know to yourself until it needs to come up. Happy letter writing!

Silver A. · Answer

Thank you all for your input. I have been calling to the owners and most of them have been very open and helpful, but not ready to sell yet for personal reasons. Just have to keep following up.

Karen Margrave · Answer

Why would you write a letter when you can call? Personally if I want information on something, I want it as quickly as possible, and a phone call is faster than a letter. You also know when you call that you've made contact, not sit around wondering if they got the letter or not! You also can guage owners interest in selling better when you can hear their voice, answer any questions they have and get answers for your questions right away, etc. I'm a real estate agent and contractor, and that's always worked for me when calling on FSBO's, property not listed, etc. Most people appreciate your tenacity! Good luck!

Nicole Williams · Answer

Silver A. I agree with K Marie. Start with a letter first. What has worked best for me is sending out a letter letting the owner know that you seen that his/her house is and has been vacant for some time now and that you (or your company) can help him/her sell it. Avoid sending the letter in a regular white envelope. Try printing the letter on just a color piece of paper then make sure you physically sign the bottom, and tape it and send it off. I have a great letter template you can use. Just email me. Secondly, wait about about a week, week and a half and follow up with a phone call. Introduce yourself let them know your following up on letter that was sent on on (blank date). Hopefully you have caught your attention and let your experience take you from there. Best of luck to you!