Mail to Homeowners Question

Hi Guys, I was wondering if anyone has a sample or some advice on how to word/address homeowners in mailers? For example, I am trying to contact homeowners who own their homes outright in my area to see if they would be interested in selling their homes. I have to mail these people something because often I can't find their phone numbers but I can find their addresses at the county recorder's or assessor's office. How should I word my letters without sounding like a scam or a big company? I want to keep it simple, REAL, and interesting. Thanks for your help! :) :D

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 09:34AM

George P.

Real Estate Investor · Baltimore, Maryland

1249 posts
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Icon_minipost Aug 31 '09, 10:02 PM

Vanessa, I believe this topic has been discussed numerous times on this board. if you receive no answer, you might want to run a search

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 09:34AM

Chris T.

Wholesaler · Amarillo, Texas

360 posts
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Icon_minipost Aug 31 '09, 11:47 PM

I'm pretty new to this myself but I've tried a few different types of mailers and messages.

First I used a nice looking, full color postcard that listed several reasons why a person may be motivated to sell their house to me, quickly, for cash. I wouldn't say it bombed because the few calls I received where actually motivated sellers with equity. Maybe, I'll close 1 or 2 deals from that mailing in the future as they said they would hold on to my postcard and call me when they are ready.

My second mailing was, CHEAP! I used the cheapest black and white postcard I could find. I designed a weird looking ink blot on the front so that people would turn it over and read the message. I received more phone calls from this mailing but none of them made me any deals.

Lastly, I used handwritten "CheapYellowLetters" that were written on yellow legal pad paper and put in an invitation style envelope. The message simply states, " Hi my name is John Doe and I am interested in buying your house at 123 Main St. Call me at 555-555-5555" I've gotten a ton of calls from this mailing and it was the smallest mailing I've done. But, it was very expensive! I haven't landed a deal with this one yet either but I'm mainly getting landlords calling me who are interested in hearing what I'd offer them for their property.

In the future I will continue to target, Absentee Owners and Out of Town Owners but I'm going to include Owner Occupants as well.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 09:34AM

Norm Chrostowski

Real Estate Investor · Lakeview, New York

284 posts
1761 Influence
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Icon_minipost Sep 01 '09, 09:25 AM

I think the key is a drip mail kind of thing. Where something gets sent out every few weeks or so to the same person. "They" say the first two will get tossed, the third will get a glance, and then tossed, the fourth and fifth you start to get their attention. BUT, that too, is expensive.

Mailings definitely work, you'll get calls. Start small, have a goal of getting out at least 25 a day. Mine are a full page sheet of paper, envelope, stamp, etc...I write, stuff, and stamp them myself. I've gotten a very good response from them. For every 100 sent, I'm getting 5-7 calls. The only thing I've tested with was the color of the paper. Different shades of green and yellow. Don't know what it is, but I get a better response from the yellow shades.

I'm also considering adding a buyers list invite. Some people might not want to sell at the present time, but who knows, they might be looking for more property. Kinda hit 'em on both with one letter. I mail to mainly OOT of SFH and Multi-family. I cross-reference their names and address from the Local Tax Assessors office.

As far as the content. It conveys the message that it can be stressful to own property in another City or part of the county. And if they have a property that has become more of a liability than an asset, we might be interested in buying. I give them a brief explanation of what I do, and if they had an interest to call the numbers listed.

Hope this helps

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 09:34AM

Peter Giardini

Real Estate Investor · Baltimore, Maryland

546 posts
8080 Influence
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Icon_minipost Sep 01 '09, 09:59 AM

One other thing you want to add to the bottom of your letter which actually works are words to the effect...

"Please keep this letter with your important papers in case your circumstance change in the future"

I was always skeptical about this statement until I got a call at 9PM one night from someone who had kept a letter that was sent to them 18 months prior. By 1AM the house under contract and assigned for $10K within 48 hours after that.

Man... I love this busines...

Pete

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 09:34AM by Peter Giardini

Norm Chrostowski

Real Estate Investor · Lakeview, New York

284 posts
1761 Influence
6 Awards

Icon_minipost Sep 01 '09, 10:06 AM

Vote for you Mr. G. I might add that.

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 09:34AM

Vanessa Brostovski

Real Estate Investor · Lincoln, California

28 posts
220 Influence
2 Awards

Icon_minipost Sep 02 '09, 07:33 AM

Thanks so much all of you. I am starting right away with my letters!

Edited: 06/26/2010 at 09:35AM