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So I am driving for dollars every weekend looking for off market deals. I want to start a direct mail campaign but my question is this...When sending the initial letter do you simply introduce yourself? Or do you ask if they are interested in selling the property? OR do you put in the letter how much your willing to offer for the the property? I have sent out several letters asking if they would be interested in selling but haven't gotten a response...could be doing it wrong. Any help or advice is appreciated.

Stacy Morris · Answer

@Ola Dantis thanks for the link!

@Joe Villeneuve could be as simple as they're not interested :)

Joe Villeneuve · Answer

I think there's an echo coming from my computer.  LOL

Joe Aiola · Answer

@Stacy Morris Is your goal to get the seller to list their property with you as an agent? Or are you looking to purchase these as investments and keep them off market? Obviously, the letter will have to be different depending on the goal.

In either scenario, though, you want to be straight to the point. People most likely aren't going to read a full page letter. For example, if you're looking to purchase the property, maybe the letter looks something like this:

"Hi (Insert seller's name),

My name is ______ and I'm an investor in the area. I drove by your house the other day and would like to make you an all cash offer. Please call me at ______ to discuss.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

______"

This is obviously just an example, but hopefully it gives you some ideas. Be prepared for when they call back - you should be trying build rapport and to set up a day & time to go see the property.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

May Emery · Answer

@Stacy Morris I think concise is what you want. I certainly don't think putting a $$ amount in a letter is wise. There could be a hole in the bathroom floor - or a gorgeous new kitchen!

Remember this is a numbers game. You should really think about working with a list broker to get enough leads where you can expect a response. What's a better use of your time? Driving and researching for hours to get 15-20 names? or sending out a 50-100 a week (or month) then responding to the owners.

You should put something in your letter that lists the benefits of working with you versus the traditional route. I wrote a blog that talks about a benefits-driven letter for seniors - but it would certainly apply to other distressed homeowners like "Owners with Low Financial Stability Scores".

https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/11806/84376-your-letter-to-seniors-offer-them-something-they-care-about

Good Luck

Nicole Heasley Beitenman · Answer

I'd look around BP for letter examples. You can probably find some in the files. Vista Print also has examples you could review.

Ola Dantis · Answer

@Brandon Turner talked about the magic of handwritten letters to single-family owners https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

The fact you can send handwritten letters but with your computer might be something that sellers might appreciate. You can also reach out to agents in the area in conjunction so you have multiple avenues to get deals from.

Joe Villeneuve · Answer

Of course you state you are interested in buying their property.  Put yourself in their position.  Let's say you get a postcard that says your name is "name", then what else is in the postcard if you don't put the reason why are getting the postcard?

As far as not getting a response, did you think it could be as simple as none of the people you sent these cards to are interested in selling their home in the first, and last, place?

Stacy Morris · Answer

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking as an investor :) Just starting out & whew the market is tough for a newbie lol  I really appreciate the response!

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