Does it matter if a Personal Representative has legal representation in Probate?

Question

Apparently, every heir in my county lawyers up...

I heard in a podcast or an interview that the guest speaker doesn't deal with lawyers in these cases with probate prospecting.

Does this really have any influence on my probate marketing strategy? Thx

Rick H. · Answer

Day one: pull files. Don't bother scanning unless that's more efficient for you than entering relevant data into a laptop spreadsheet. Look for files containing real estate (makes sense, right?). Your assignment will be o create a hit list. Note: in my area, just because the property is in probate doesn't mean there's automatically a motivated seller. Create fields for the Case name, #, PR contact info, attorney, property address, and perhaps heir contact info. Flag fields for out-of-state PR, disputes, etc. Day two: wear a sport court, slacks. Spend 2-3 hours in back of courtroom observing hearings, noting the issues people have. Obviously, act appropriately. Take notes on matters concerning real estate sales, disputes. While you're there, ask for business cards of attorneys that seem skillful (but only ask in hall area). Day three: you now know more that you did on day zero. Create your mailing and door knocking list. Pull phone numbers, if listed. Contact pR's and inquire about their plans or the property. Ask: how you can best help them? Become their go-to guy. Yes, some will abuse, but the education will be well worth it.

Taylor Jennings · Answer

Rick Harmon Phil Z. do you think it would be strategic to collect all the attorneys in the probates and select maybe the top three to try and develop a relationship with? At that point they could recommend me if the owner just wants to get rid of the house quickly. Thoughts?

Taylor Jennings · Answer

Can I get an Amen! Talk about a 'SNAP OUT OF IT' response! I just wrote on somebody else's forum post this morning saying that they just need to continue taking steps forward and not worry whether or not a strategy will work ha Rick Harmon, I think you and I are going to have a solid friendship. I'm really sorry to hear about the stroke. Though you lost the use of your left hand, you've gained a powerful tool in motivating others. I appreciate you sir.

Rick H. · Answer

Stop looking for hurdles and barriers. I don't know your state's forms. Ask the probate clerk. They are typically very helpful and receptive to complements. If you only have 30 minutes due l work schedule, five (5) days X 30 minutes = ONE more informed probate investor. If you don't have time to pour through files, determine what's important, then hire and teach your assistant. Start looking for solutions to your challenges. I lost use of my left hand three years ago after a stroke so I type this one-handed. Don't ask me about my eyesight or energy level. No more excuses!

Taylor Jennings · Answer

That's perfect Rick Harmon. I did notice that there were different forms filed in the folders. Is there a particular Form Title (like the living testament) I should skim through to discover if there is property listed? I feel like I could spend hours looking through three folders.... Here is an unfortunate circumstance for Day Two: I work full time and won't be able to spend more than 30m there. Am I able to walk into or out of a hearing while it's active? "Day Three: you now know more than you did on day zero." ha True

Taylor Jennings · Answer

Rick Harmon you're like the Probate 007... So that leads me into my next question if you would be so kind to answer it. I went to the court house the other day and pulled out a handful of probate files. Should I scan each file for the last 6 months or so or are there certain files I want and others I should skip? It's difficult to tell...

Rick H. · Answer

I could give you a pep talk but Mama Poe is much better at that. There is no question that when when I first started attending the attorney's Bar meetings, the only thing that I could do was pay for my lunch, eat the rubber chicken, listen and take good notes. Initially I had no clue what all the fuss about this and that was. Some of the Beverly Hills Bar meetings discussed different type trusts, like Beach Bum Trusts and the like. Man, I was lost. And then someone brought up foreclosure and I perked up. Not only did I know what they were talking about but I actually was pretty up to speed on that topic. Now, how to figure out this probate stuff, I thought. You will never be admonished for being a student of law by your peers. Yes, these attorneys become your peers. Attend enough meetings and you will have learned some things, know your way around the courthouse, figured a way to discretely remove chicken gristle from your mouth without attracting attention, and get treated like a peer. Yes, they will be used to seeing you and will forget that you are from the outside and have infiltrated their inner domain. Gently remind them that your are a real estate person who wants to do things the right way. You will be amazed at their reception to such a foreign act by a real estate guy.

Taylor Jennings · Answer

Rick Harmon I like your style. Though, I don't think I'm at the point yet to attend local bar functions ha What is in it for the probate attorneys that I can provide them?

Phil Z. · Answer

Yes it would be a good idea to market to Probate Attorneys .. however, you will have to do a very good job of convincing them that you are the real deal and worthy of their referral to clients. You might want to send a 'package' and include background about yourself and recently completed deals.

Rick H. · Answer

Use the Trojan Horse strategy: attend the local Bar Association functions and become an insider (without becoming an attorney). Go. Continue to go. Become a helpful fixture. I can't tell you how many agents and appraisers I've met who went to one luncheon, didn't get any immediate business, and did not return. Almost childish, really. You've got to demonstrate that you are "part of" and aren't going away any time time soon. Took me years to groom and develop the relationships however I get to enjoy the benefits.