All Forum Posts by: John Baker

I see. Interesting point. Looking at it from your own point of view if you happen to be in that situation really helps me see what actions would be appropriate and what will lead to a win-win situation. Thanks for the input.

Thanks for writting in.

So, no flowers then? Should I at least leave a voicemail to follow up with the lady, and to let her know I still want to buy the house? Or do you think mail is better? What works better for you and what seems to get you a better conversion rate?

 Thanks for writting in. 

That sounds like a good idea. I will definitely do that.

Also, what should you say to sellers who are depressed from the loss of a loved one? How do you let them know you are there for them and that you want to buy their house without coming off as "heartless"?

Hello, everyone

I got a call from an elderly lady about a month ago from my direct mail marketing campaign. She says her husband has died and that she will sell the house in the future, but it is in the probate process. I felt very heartbroken for her, as she sounded very sad when I spoke to her, and she also mentioned that she is very old and may pass away soon, so the house will go to her son if that happens. I didn't quite know what to say in this phone call, but I told her I was sorry to hear that and said that she could call me whenever she was ready to sell the house and if she needed anything. My question is... how should I follow up with her? I don't want to annoy her and sound pushy since she is going through a very difficult time. How do you guys deal with distressed probate sellers? Any help is appreciated. 

Ok, thanks. I won't use a voicemail system then. I've heard about  What about following up with sellers? I think some automation would be good there? Like maybe an automated emailing system? Do you think so?

I want to automate things as much as possible, so I can have more time to focus on things that I deem essential to growing a business. Do you think it would be a good idea to prescreen callers with some kind of phone system like Google voice? If the seller is willing to go through some hoops to contact me, then wouldnt that be a sign that they might be motivated? I also get some calls from other wholesalers, and it's getting annoying. Also, what do you guys think about an automated email system like mailchimp? I think mailchimp would be good to automatically follow up with sellers who called me. Yes? No? What do you guys suggest? 

Your right. Now that I think about it. It's better to have a good relationship with everyone. Who knows? Maybe, I might get a referral or maybe they might be motivated and remember me down the line. I don't know why I didn't get it before, but thanks for helping me realize this. Thanks for the reply and advice by the way.

Ok, sounds reasonable. But what do I do if they don't want to talk so that I can get to know them and thier situation? Sometimes, sellers are upset as soon as we start talking over the phone or when I ask them questions about thier house and themselves. Should I just end the conversation and tell them I will write up an offer and send it to them? And then should I follow up with them in a month or so when they have cooled off? Thanks for the reply btw. 

 I don't mind talking, as well, about things me and the seller have in common. Also, you are definitely right about the offer part. Whenever I make an offer to an unmotivated seller, sometimes they get upset, as if I owe them something. Lol. Maybe, it might be because I haven't built enough rapport with them? I don't know. But thanks for the reply anyways.