Sending direct mail to pre-foreclosures

[Tony Marcelle]

Is it a good idea or bad idea to target pre-foreclosure leads that are occupied with the homeowner still living there? Would I have a better chance at targeting pre-foreclosure leads that are vacant? When I send them direct mail, is it ok to mention to the homeowner that I am contacting them because I know their home is in pre-foreclosure?

[May Emery]

@Tony Marcelle I totally agree with @Andrew Angerer. You should NEVER, never put anything in a letter indicating that you have any personal information. Make it seem more of a coincidence. Oh, isn't it nice that this person is offering to buy my house in my hour of need.

They know the date. They know their desperation. Chances are they are embarrassed, afraid and angry at their failure. Getting a letter from you reminding them of the day they stand to loose their home is not going to increase their motivation to sell to you.

What might help is for you to let them know that selling their home to you is easy. They don't need to fix things up, they don't have to clear things out, no open house etc.