How to proceed - Seller owns free and clear

[John Hixon]

I have a lead off my first direct mail campaign.   This older man (probably in late 70's or 80's) called me and said he and his wife got my letter and wanted to know how much I would pay them for their house.  

I started off the conversation asking him about his house and he told me that the house was built in 1997, has a newer roof (3yrs. old), newer AC (3yrs. old), new paint, new carpet, new wood floors, new tile, new fence and new fixtures.  I asked him if the house had a mortgage on it and he said he owned the house free and clear.  He let me know that he is aware that the real estate market in Dallas is doing really well and prices are going up.   

It sounds like offering him the typical offer of ARV x 70% - repairs will not work and probably make him mad and destroy any chance I would have of making him another type of offer.

How would you suggest I would proceed?  Or what type of offer would you make this individual?

Thanks.

[Ryan Dossey]

I would make him an open ended cash offer. I would explain that it sounds like he has maintained the home great but in order to get top dollar.... Does he have SS appliances, Granite counter tops, etc. 

Just make your offers. Doing DM you'll get a lot of people like him. I typically tell them I need to walk through the property to make an offer as it's based off of the condition. Build value in what you bring to the table. No commission, no inspections, no closing costs, cash, etc. Make your offer. If he scoffs... so what.