Direct Mail

[Joshua Woolls]

I am getting ready to start a direct mail campaign in my area. I have a list of 500 homeowners that are 3+ years behind on taxes and are either on a payment plan or a D.O.O.E (Distressed Owner/Occupant Extension. I am direct marketing trying to pick up some properties for myself and if opportunities come along that I am not interested in, I will wholesale them. I work full time, but my job is pretty flexible. Is 500 a good number to send out? Will I be overwhelmed? Should I be sending more?

Thoughts are appreciated.

[Jill DeWit]

Hi Joshua!

My company has been sending mailers for over 15 years and found it to be a great tool to locate motivated sellers. I love that you are targeting folks with back taxes as that typically means the properties are paid off and they are not keeping up with it for “some reason”. Maybe it’s a second home or someone passed on or ?

I agree with @Elliot Smith and 5% is a good initial response average. I would send more because the more responses means you can then sort through and be picky about the properties in which you choose to invest.

We ONLY send personalized letters with the owner’s name, property address, and a ball-park offer. (You can do your due diligence once they call back and you KNOW they are interested.) Our letters seem to really stand out from just a generic post card. I have had folks hold on to our letters for YEARS and call us when they finally determine they no longer are going to use the property.

So don’t stop if it takes a little time. Great job!

• -Jill