How can real estate agents send direct mail the legal way?

[Charlie Kleindinst]

I know there's a lot of grey areas for real estate agents when it comes to doing non-traditional real estate deals. My brokerage is very investor friendly so I have the green light to use every strategy out there. My question is when it comes down to me sending out direct mail to properties I have personal interest in, what must I disclose? My brokerage name? The fact I'm a "Realtor"? What if I'm to leave a simple yellow letter on someones front door? Can I disclose the fact I'm a real estate agent as soon as the prospect calls me? 

[Jerry Puckett]

Austin is more strict than other areas. Bear in mind that what bites many licensees in the butt is that their letters often end up in the hands of other agents and brokers....who then look you up, find that you're licensed and wonder why the hell you're contacting their clients.

I've seen it happen in Austin more than anywhere else in the U.S. Said agent or broker then contacts your broker and complains, with the inevitable threat to file a complaint against your license if it happens again.

So....disclose. Say something like: "while I am a licensed Agent, I am as interested in buying your house as I am in listing it" (if that's true)...and end it with something like "if your home is currently listed, please have your Agent call me".

Not only does that allow you to head off claims of poaching, but who knows? Maybe you could still work a deal or help bring a buyer for the Agent. Adding people to your network is rarely a bad idea.