What you look for in a first message.

[William F.]

Agents of BP: What do you look for in a first email from a client to really show you they are serious and capable of buying? I'm thinking (in no particular order): *Detailed criteria for property *Very brief self-intro *Timeline What do you look for that's nabbed you the best of your clients?

[Michael Noto]

@William F. In general, for a first conversation I am just looking to see what their goals are when it comes to real estate investing in order to see if working with them is a good use of my time.  From there, I get into details about if they are pre-qualified for financing and go from there.

If the person has a plan to actively look for multi-families I am all for guiding them through the process.  To me, if someone is pre-qualified they will have more incentive to actively look for a property because of their rate lock and the pre-qual shows a level of commitment also.  When we find a deal that fits their criteria, can they act by submitting an offer?  The sooner I can find out that info the more serious I can take them.

I will say that the clients I work with from BP in my market here in CT are usually more educated than clients I meet through other means.  This community really does a good job in getting people prepared to make purchases.