All Forum Posts by: Donovan R.

I recently switched to an answering service and I don't think I could ever go back!
It's great at first to be getting calls at first but keep in mind these calls come at all times of day! It's extremely inconvenient to be getting calls while driving, on appointments or just doing something else.

Now My blackberry will receive an email with a transcript of the phone call and all the details I need. DONE!

It's nice to have all the details you need and know which direction your headed with them before you even talk. Also allows you to keep track of your leads a little easier. This service makes it easier for me to just focus on getting as many "emails" as possible.

Get a PO and don't worry about people upset about getting DM. It doesn't happen often and when it does just give them a second to rant and listen. They'll scream for a while and then hang up on you. Who cares? You don't suppose they call Dominoes mad as hell about this pizza special flyer they got today, do you? You didn't do anything wrong. These people are 1. mad at someone else, 2. crazy as hell, or 3. both.

For a phone number I use Google Voice for my "cell phone" number. It's not registered, no one can find you, you can transfer it to ring on any phone and best yet you can turn it off!

PO Box, Live Answering Service, Call them on your google number

Be a professional.

I did it twice and hated every second of being in the courthouse trying to dig through case folders. HEADACHE!

The inventory of assets doesn't have to be filed until 3 months into the probate. So no, you won't be able to tell at first by the file. By then it's likely they've already started working or at least thinking about a solution for the house.

What I do now is cross reference the deceased in the probate estate (which I can get out of the newspaper or online) with Tax records (also online). No more courthouse and I can do it weekly. Usually no more than 50 between the two counties I buy in and it takes about an hour.

Are they ugly? Yea.
But if someone is motivated to sell do you think they care? NOPE.
You should be pursuing direct mail and website traffic but neither are cheap. PPC advertising works but the traffic is limited compared to organic SEO traffic. I've called a few of the National WE BUY HOUSES websites that take rank on search engine results.
$75 a lead! No way can I afford that.

1. Sometimes when you ask for it. 2. Sometimes because the file fell out of short sale review and was then re-initiated. 3.Whenever they feel like it for no good reason.

Wow, everyone seems to have a negative view on bandits.
Last month 25 signs, 16 calls (+1 from a cop I didn't call back)

This month 32 signs, 10 calls - However this month I had paid someone to put them out. I checked the placements of the signs, I don't know what the hell he was thinking. Half of the signs were facing the wrong way or on Interstate on-ramps instead of Exits like I had stated. I'll probably do it myself the next couple weekends then try again with someone else.

I just ordered 200 I'll track the details a little better and post my results. BTW I use a answering service for my calls that has a local area code so I just display the 7 digits.

WE BUY
HOUSES
any condition/situation
555-5555

The signs don't stay out very long in my area, some areas won't make it through the day. Even when placed on Saturday!

Sounds like you're putting the cart before the horse. Get it under contract then go to work. Make sure you call and verify the back taxes and Don't forget to Pro-rate the current year. Back taxes to the point of forfeiture are some motivated sellers, don't be afraid to push it! I had one earlier this year and re-negotiated after I had it under contract. Got an extra $2k off.

Congrats John, I was just thinking I was going to put a little time in on the weekends to include this in my business.

I'm dealing with the local Citi branch, not sure of much else. Every time I talk to them I have less confidence they have any idea what's going on. Anyway Had to start the process over thanks to the delay and WF ordered another BPO. Going to try and get them to skip it since I had one 2 months ago and I'm doubting I'll get a lower one. My last BPO agent was previously a rehaber. I pretty much told him what I needed and he agreed.

I heard about an interesting Probate strategy that involves cross referencing probate estates with judgments not on on probate. If the estate has adequate assets to cover the judgment, you would seek out the lien holder and ask for an option on settling the lien (or Buying it at a discount). Then taking interest in that lien and wait to be paid.

Anyone try anything like this? I could see it working a few times a year. Could be a pain depending on how your courthouse keeps records.

Been trying! Just started 250 mailed so far, only 3 calls no deals. Super low call percentage, trying to figure out what I can do to better that. Mailing straight to the PR as soon as the public notice. Could just need soak time and also an adjustment to the estates mailed without real estate. Anyone interested in sharing their letter copy?