All Forum Posts by: Brian Christensen

As a wholesaler, when you have your list of pre-foreclosures (NOD & LIS's), how do you approach someone on that list to start the process of selling?

Do you call them? If so, what do you say to not scare them away as soon as you start talking?

Do you send them a letter?

Do you just go strait to the house and knock on the door?

Not to be a suck up to the website, but...honestly...it was BiggerPockets that motivated me.

For 2 years I "talked" about how I wanted to get into the game and become an investor, and I would occasionally get a book from the library, or I'd see the stuff on late night infomercials and consider ordering it. And I even tip-toed into the "Nouvea Riche University" crap. (luckily I only looked into it and never spent a dime).

It wasnt until I became a memeber here and actually started talking with other REAL investors that I got motivated, and since I've been a memeber (January 13th, 2008), while still working a 60hour week, I have:

-gotten all the necessary contracts
-designed flyers
-created newspaper ads
-created a company (an LTD) (email, website, tax forms)
-started my network (RE attorney, title company, accountant)
-business cards
-home based office
-5 different counties pre-foreclosure listings

All of this accomplished in about a month while still working a 60hr/week job. My plan is to build enough cash for at least a years salary (which is only about $30,000) before I leave this job and invest full time. I hope to be at that status in 6-10 months....

But it is all thanks to Josh and BiggerPockets!

See thats how I would dress going out with my friends to a club, not coming into the office of someone who is going to be paying me. My "business" attire is always a pair of dress pants, and button up and a nice pair of dress shoes. I dont like to wear suits, but I'm not going to come in looking like usher from the "yeah!" video.

I know its not good to pass judgement, and I commend you for not doing that, but come on...if someone doesnt have the common sense enough to dress appropriately for someone you're attempting to sell something to

Josh...
Lol...no I'm not punching myself in the face...Thats me "pondering"....I dont know. I was sitting at my desk, and my girlfriend snaped it and it's just a good picture I guess.

Nevermind, I found it...I just never really looked at the left column there with all the links...but now that I have, I got a couple more things I needed...thank you again...

Wow, thank you, that is almost EXACTLY what I was looking for. There's very little I have to modify. Where did you find that at? I need to explore this website better if I missed that...thank you again Mike, this is now the....4th or 5th time you've helped me out...

*UPDATE*

I called the owners, and I used the info sheet I got from Mike Sedgwick a couple days ago, and found out that my source was full of it. They owe $130k on their mortgage, BUT....there is a BAD mold infestation that they had appraised at about $20k to rid it all, + about an additional $13k in repairs, and the house only appraised at $165k. In all, there is about $2k in equity, and I dont feel like only making $200.00 on a deal. I would've paid my bird dogg (who happens to be a friend) more than that.

Oh well...I'll keep looking....and believe me, I wont be relying on that friend for my deals....

Can I just say that this website is amazing. I've learned more here in the month I've been a memeber, than I have in the last 2 years I've been trying to get into the real estate game. I havent done a deal yet, BUT...I am much closer than I was before....

Jason...I would rather do what you said also, but the only problem I have is that I am starting an LTD and I want to be able to write off as many "expenses" as possible, and those would deffinetly fall into that category. So to be able to have something in writing would help for documentation. Also...I know that I wouldnt be comfortable as a bird dogger just handing over deals and not being guarenteed to get paid. Something I've learned in life...ALWAYS GET IT IN WRITING....because we're deffinetly not in the George Halas times where a handshake is as good as a contract...

Mike...thank you, I actually picked up that form from a different post you put it on and that is what I'm using whether I myself, or a bird dogg finds the deal, but what I'm looking for specifically is a CONTRACT. I need something in writing stating that I will pay them $XXX.XX if the deal closes. But thank you for that sheet, I am using that for sure (just a little modified of course)

Ok, I've almost got ALL of the forms and contracts I need....and now I need a Bird Dogg contract or agreement which basically states that they dont get paid unless the deal closes...

ALSO! Need advice on how much to pay bird doggers. Should I pay a flat rat of $250-$500, or should I do a percentage of my cut...(5-10%)?