Adivse on Marketing ot Obit Leads

[Kyle B.]

I have collected a nice amount of leads from obituaries and plan on marketing to them. My process for this was to first determine that there was not a surviving spouse and then to see if the deceased had owned any property through the county's tax assessors site.

To those who have done this type of marketing before, my questions is this: is it more effective to send letters to the deceased's address (addressed generically to "Owner", not a specific name) and hope it gets forwarded to the heirs or should I research who the children are and send letters to them?

I have already cross referenced my list with the county probate files, so this is only pertaining to estates not in probate (which happens to be the majority of my list). Furthermore, I am waiting 2 months after passing to send out letters.

I have searched older forums but didn't find much info on this subject (non-probate inheritance leads). Some of what I did find was negative about this type of marketing but I don't see why it is drastically different than direct probate.

Thanks! Interesting in hearing anyone's insight.

Kyle

[Rick H.]

Kyle, I replied to another post if yours. Frankly, I think you're on the right path as you are trying to identify the opportunities from different angles.

If you are comfortable with the idea of mailing, calling and door knocking, you can become one of the local experts. What you lack in technical or legal expertise can more than be compensated by offering to be helpful.

For example, keep a list of handymen, tradesmen and contractors that can fix problems. Let decedent's families know that you are the go-to guy and will share your contacts with them if they contact you directly. You capture their contact info, refer the labor, and now you're an insider to any potential deal.

Truth is, few if any will actually do this. It's not hard but not convenient. I've learned to and it's provided a very lucrative career that few in this forum will know or achieve. Verify all you want.

I know your question was a mailing question however I just want to encourage you to find multiple methods of reaching people who will respond positively if you simply find a way to add to their lives.