Formatting Direct Mail Letters

[Tristan Beavers]

Just a few days ago I took the day off to drive for dollars in my neighborhood here in Jupiter. I noticed on the MLS that there's a high concentration of sales in this area, all selling within the price range my client is looking to buy for. However, given that he's looking for houses to flip, I kept an eye out for distressed properties, and any property that looked like it could use some work. I've compiled a list of roughly 30+ addresses, and I'm ready to start my direct mail procedure. However, how should I go about this most efficiently? I'm not quite sure how to structure the letters as an agent representing a client in a cash purchase. So far, I know I'm going to use yellow paper, hand write each letter, and include my business card. Any thoughts on what angle I should approach this from? I'd love to hear what strategies work for you all, and see how I can get creative in my mailings as well. Thanks in advance!

[Colby Hager]

Do something different.  These people have gotten hundreds of cards and "yellow letter" cards, and yellow letters, and professional letters.  

The best use of your 30 sheets of yellow paper is to write 30 different unique ways to contact these people with a better value proposition than "we buy houses".  Then, choose the best one that you thought of and do it and see what happens.  My guess is it will be better than using a played-out strategy.  

Seriously 15 years ago, 30 yellow letters would have gotten 10 callbacks...today, you'll convince yourself they don't work.