All Forum Posts by: Audrey C.

Yes, yellow letters are my favorite too!

Many thanks, Jon. I appreciate your response. I usually go the typical yellow letter route and receive favorable responses. However, I changed the verbiage/format on some recent mailers (based on recommendations) and now I know, I will definitely stick to the YL's in all my mailing campaigns.

Thank you so much!

Hi Everyone,

I had an unusual phone call this morning and I need a bit of advice. What is the best way to handle a phone call, when the person receives your letter and then they tell you, never mind, I think what you're doing is bogus? Has anyone had any of those? I was a little stunned.

Thanks for the feedback.

Can't beat Central Florida...the home of Disney! :)

Hi Skye,

Michael gave some excellent tips on what you're looking for. Just wanted to add my 2cents, because my first response looking for properties came from Probate, so wanted to cheer you on.

You may want to have a work sheet typed up and bring extra copies, pen/pencil so you don't have to worry about copying this information as every bit adds up and before you know it you will spend more than a $1 and gas prices are no joke here either! Hmmph....

Ok went off tangent...

Your work sheet, at least, must have the following:

DATE (current date - so you can track next time when you go back so you don't have to remember the date and start from scratch)

FILE# (In the event you have a question and need to call the county office. They are usually pretty good in retrieving the information for you via phone as well)

DECEASED PROPERTY ADDRESS &
ESTIMATED VALUE (if available) If you do not see anywhere in the "Petition of Administration information that a property is left with an address or value, don't waste your time looking at that info, move on to the next one. Sometimes there is no property listed, sometimes it's just money left in an account to the heirs and that is listed. You can know there is property available right away by also looking at the Will.

(PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE's NAME & ADDRESS AND THE RELATIONSHIP TO THE DECEASED) - (DON'T LEAVE THE OFFICE WITHOUT THIS - Your work sheet is pointless without the PR's information!!! This person is usually the one that the property is left to, or the "one in charge." This is the person you definitely need to send a letter to because they may or may not still be at the property. In your letter, you need to be a bit sympathetic or empathize if you will, but on the contrary, you need to be direct about your intentions for the property.

Side note: I have sent letters to the husband/wife team and have received response, but you may find that in the beginning they may call because they want to get rid of the property because of the rooted memories that are left and most times children have already left and they are by themselves. You definitely want to know if they are motivated to sell prior to going but I would not totally rule it out...it's your choice but I do understand why most investors do not send to the grieving spouse. You will also find that properties are sometimes left to a TRUST and an Attorney is usually the one who handles these, so if you are targeting these, you will also need the Attorney's info. I may have sent one or two mail but didn't work in my favor, so I don't waste my time sending letters to these and try to save some trees when I can.

HEIRS - (These are the persons that the property is willed to apart from the PR. You may cc your letter to the heirs (NEED NAME & ADDRESS) considering they are NOT minors. Personally, I find that instead of sending the heirs a letter at the same time, I will delay it a week if I did not get a response from the PR. Of course, you always want to send a follow up mail to the PR if no response, or call.

As you go along, you will find that your work sheet may change over time as you begin to mail your letters and add comments.

This has worked for me so far...Hope this helps and continue to keep us updated!

Got it! Thanks, Will. I appreciate the response...very clear cut!

Hi Will...Okay, here's my question...

Sorry, but I hope this is not a silly question. Were the rehab costs and seller costs paid from the PI or were those out of pocket?

My reason for asking is...I am trying to figure out how you would have stayed within the 90 day frame and would this be considered a no money down deal...ie...none of your funds used?

Would it have been any easier for you without the PI resources? (since for me, I'm still working on getting PI and for others who may not have those resources yet?)

Thanks for answering.
Cheers!

Wow! That was an awesome job! Very refine!

Hey DB, I don't think it matter either way if you're telling them you want to buy houses. I think that's what Steve was saying. All you would need to do, is ask them for the Probate department or which area the probate files are kept. Once you locate that area, just nicely ask to view the records. When I say "nicely" ask, I mean politetly, as you know these are government jobs and sometimes employees can be a little grumpy. Have not encountered any of that, but just putting it out there. Usually, the person who you talk to will show you how to use the files whether computer or binder or however they log them in your area. If not, then ask...they are there to help.

You can view them either through binders or computer, or even perhaps on line, (considering your area allows it to be accessible via online). The records are just that "public" and can be viewed by anyone from the general public. It gets easier from here!

All the best and let us know how things pen out!

Cheers!

Update - Thanks to all who helped and encouraged. The homeowner decided that she did not want to sell, but would call once she decided to.

Lesson learned - Even though the deal did not pull through, as nervous as I was, it felt great knowing that the task at hand was possible...and also possible for the next.

It's back to the drawing board - and I'm still motivated!