How do i verify that my Probate list is good?

[Abraham Hodroj]

Hello 

So i just bought my first probate lead list with property attached. Before starting my campaign i want to verify that this list is legitimate, what can i research on the list that would verify a probate took place and there is a property attached. 

[Guy Olds]

@Abraham Hodroj

Congratulations on getting started. You didn't say how many names you bought but hopefully you only intend to spot check the list not check every one. First of all you do have to trust that you bought the list from from a reputable list broker but if you aren't sure here's how I would check.

Since you live in Orange County I'll use that as my example. Google "orange county ca probate records search" without the parentheses. Or put whatever other county you're looking for. Look for a probate court or superior court in CA case search and you find http://www.occourts.org/online-services/case-acces... then click "Access Now" next Probate Court and accept the terms of the disclaimer. On the next page fill in the case number and the year the case was filed (should be 2015 now). This will take you to a table of all the actions taken so far in this case. Check the names if they match you have a verified case.

Now you need to verify that the decedent is on title to a property. That is what the heirs may want to sell. Most don't want to sell but a few are motivated to sell at a discount. I use PropertyRadar.com for this step. It's a paid site. $39.99 a month or $59.99 if you add their excellent foreclosure data. If the leads you have give column for Address of Deceased at Time of Death or something like that look up that address in propertyradar. Is the decedent on title or not (decedent could have lived in an apartment, a nursing home, a rental or at a relative's), is the value of the property what you want to go after, is it SFR or condo or mobile home, is there equity or is it a short sale. Don't market to a property you don't want to deal with.

If you don't have access to a site like propertradar try the county tax assessor's website. 

Once you've verified that you have a legit lead now you need an address for the administrator or executor(the PR) to mail a letter to them every month. And if you have a good list broker you might also have a phone number for the PR.

You now have a good start. Good luck.