Am I wasting my time targeting vacant properties?

[Steven McPherson]

I have targeted vacant homes for a couple of years now.  I have had much success finding many vacant homes, tracking down the owner and then ultimately making contact.  The part that I haven't had success with: convincing them to sell.  It seems nobody is willing to sell their property, despite it being vacant for several years and the owner continuing to pay property taxes.  They typically don't even bother to hear an offer.

I'm not sure if it is emotional attachment, not wanting to deal with the process of selling or what, but for some reason, people simply refuse to sell.

Any advice?  Has anybody had success with buying homes in this situation?

[Jonathan Greene]

You need to create a value add. If you have two years of calls with vacant owners, your script isn't good. What are you bringing to the table other than money? Anyone with a vacant home is probably getting calls from more than you so you need to have a different dialogue. Why aren't they renting it? Maybe they are thinking of moving back. How much are the taxes? Ask them how long they've left it vacant and punch that into a calculator and tell them how much money they have tossed away versus the appreciation. If the property is not appreciating and they are leaving it vacant and don't live in the area, why do they want to keep it? Whatever they answer ask why and then why again. There won't be a good answer and then maybe you have your in. They want to know they can trust you. What's your deal record? It's not the properties, it's how the calls are going.