Best approach to a distressed owner?

[Brian Zabowski]

I wanted to ask those who have done both, is it better to cold call an owner and ask if they want to sell or possibly speak to a neighbor and see if they could introduce me? I ask because I have a potential property that I may be able to get under contract but the lady is currently in a nursing home while the house sits idle. Just wanted to get an opinion or two on how to best approach this from someone who has been down this road before.

[Brian Wheeler]

@Jeffrey Grieshop I value my time tremendously and quite frankly I don’t have time anymore with sellers who are willing to be unrealistic. From my experience when I have come across a seller who is in a desperate situation (they always know they are but never like to admit it...who does?) I am up front with them and let them know that I am willing to be fair and help them get out of their situation, but I am also in the business of making money and it needs to work for me as well. I am a little more direct with people that is just my personality. I have found that most sellers respect that instead of having a “yes” man that can’t close or tries to retrace them over and over.