Regarding the angry call detailed above, I did call the number to offer to remove them from the mailing list. No answer, so I left a message. I have yet to hear back from them.
MY SUGGESTION: Either remove them from your list or call them back in a month to give them a chance to cool off.
I sent another batch of mailings this week, and received two more calls from people who were upset with me. Neither were angry like last week's caller, but they still expressed their displeasure. I knew that mailing probates would result in some calls like this, but what's especially frustrating is that they seem to be the only type of call that I'm receiving.
MY THOUGHTS: That is something to be expected. Most people just need time to recover.
I'm definitely going to need to change things up, because those calls are very demoralizing. I'm not sure if they are a result of my letter, the timeline that I'm mailing, or just probates in general. I can certainly understand their reaction to receiving a letter at such an emotional time.
HERE ARE SOME CHANGES THAT I RECOMMEND:
Here is what my mailing says:
"Dear [NAME],
My name is Greg and I am a real estate investor in NJ that pays cash for houses. I apologize for interrupting you with this letter. (Apologizing for interrupting will encourage a grieving person to anger). I heard about your loss and wanted to offer you my sincere thoughts and prayers to your family. (you may not know them but you can still act like you care....people appreciate that)
I may be able to help with your estate. I am certain that you and everyone involved would like to resolve this estate as easily as possible. If the estate has a house that you would like to sell, I would like to present an offer on it.
I pay all cash and buy in "as-is" condition, so you won't have to worry about cleaning the home or paying for any repairs. In addition, I can close as soon as you are ready so that additional estate fees can be avoided, even if the probate case is not completed.
I understand that this might not be a priority at the moment, but please keep this letter in the event that the estate does want to receive a cash offer as another option. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience."
What would you change? Also, when do you send your first mailing? Mine are going out about a month after they are pulled from the probate listings, which is (in most cases) about 6 weeks after the date of death. Is that too soon?
I was attracted to probates because I figured they would have more equity than preforeclosures, as well as less competition. It's becoming evident why there is less competition.
I need to make a change because I feel like I am doing something wrong. I think I am going to change to postcards which don't mention the estate or probate at all, instead going for a typical "We Buy Houses" message. They would still be mailed to the executors. Hopefully that will avoid some of the stigma that is currently following me around.
