Marketing to Tax Delinquent Properties

[David B.]

Hello BP,

I wanted to see what kind of experience people have had marketing to tax delinquent properties using lists from sites like Listsource/AgentPro VS direct lists from the county.

I understand the list direct from the county will probably be more up to date but is it worth the extra time to obtain it, pay for it, and sort it ? 

Also, how easy are these to get from the county. Do I just call the tax office and tell them I am looking for a list of "Tax Delinquent Properties" and they will know what I am talking about ? 

Are you able to have then separate land, commercial, residential properties when you get the list from the county ?  

Thanks !

David 

[Richard D.]

@David B. The tax offices will understand what you are asking for. Small offices should have little to no problem with your request. Just remember that this request does fall under the Freedom of Information Act. They can require you submit your request in writing, charge a fee, and limit information that is released.

For Example:

I work for one of the top 5 counties in the state of Texas, and top 25 nationwide. Our office will not differentiate delinquent and non delinquent accounts for you (this is limiting the information). Instead we sell ($x fee) the entire tax roll to you and require that you decipher the information yourself. We also require a standardized form be completed on all request of this kind.

Suggestion:

If you do not understand databases, it may be in your best interest to "subscribe" to a third party service, as they can decipher large files rather easily. It however, doesn't always mean the information that they provide is accurate. For the most accurate information you need to obtain the data from the tax office itself.

Tidbit:

The top 25 counties in the country in terms of number of accounts will each contain over 2,000,000 listings (per county)