How do I use public records to find probate leads?

Question

Hey everyone, I working with a small budget right to get leads until I save enough for a list. In the meantime I want to learn how to find leads via public recorders (or any other methods that can be done with no money) so I can start sending out direct mailings.

Can anyone direct me to a blog, forum or even a video that can show me how to use public records to find leads?

Can anyone direct me to a blog, forum or even a video that can show me how to use public records to find leads?

Rick H. · Answer

Pulling probate data from courthouse records can be a bit tedious however that makes them all the more attractive as not everyone has the patience for the research.  They can be exceptionally profitable IF you are persistent.

I've been working probate for decades and keep finding new ways to profit from them.

Every courthouse organizes their records slightly different however the basics are that you will want to start with the most recent filing and work backwards.

I'm not going to provide you a free course (you can learn about getting more training on my website) however the basics are to find which document in first filed to start the process.

In my state, CA, a Petition for Probate is filed and much of the useful information can be gleaned from that document. In most of our courthouses this 'starter page' is posted on a clipboard along with others from the last few weeks in the clerks office. A review of this list helps the researcher determine which physical case records are to be pulled fo further review of property addresses and contact info of parties involved.

You can't beat spending time in both the archive room as well as sitting through a few courtroom hearings. Maybe Mark Pedroza from Sacramento will post about his experience yesterday.

Rick H. · Answer

Lifting file folders beats lifting bags of concrete and lumber.

You've got to start somewhere. If you are lazy and recognize that (I know that I am) then you'd better get smart...real fast. If you can't figure it out in your own, then pay to learn it from others and get what you need. If you don't want to perform the menial tasks yourself, leverage your time and pay someone else to do it.

And if you don't have any money, better get some steel-toe work boots.

Franklin Romine · Answer

@Erick Martinez If you are half way serious about making money and being a pro you should subscribe to property radar.  I'm not affiliated with them but have no problem promoting.  The tools in radar gives you 100's of ways to slice and dice every possible piece of property data.

Frank

Franco Perez · Answer

Hi Chris,

@Chris Seveney Can you please share what are some good sources and names to get these list for probate leads.

Rick H. · Answer

I don't know since I don't use Listsource.

I much prefer to use professional data researchers who pull data to my specifications.

I've recently connected with a commercial probate courthouse data records provider who has a national network of researchers,

Prospector newsletter subscribers will receive info how to tap into this source in the next couple of weeks.

Henrietta M. · Answer

So RICK, I just had to reply to your comment. I went to your website and it's ABSOLUTELY GENIUS. LOL. I LOVE IT.

Kudos!

Henrietta

Account Closed · Answer

Hi Erick - For probate, just go to the county courthouse "Register of Wills". Every county is a bit different but essentially you want to look at the recent probate files. Then flip through each file and see if there is any real estate within the file. If there is, you write the property address down and the executors name and address. Then you mail to the executor. Happy to discuss over the phone a bit more if you would like. Send me a message with your phone #.

Erick Martinez · Answer

Rick H. Ok I will be waiting for the info. Also, you mention you prefer to use professional data researchers who pull data to your specifications; is this a company that brings leads to you or like VAs that doing the research for you? If you don't mind me asking Rick..

Erick Martinez · Answer

Rick H.

Could you make a probate list through Listsource?

How do I use public records to find probate leads?

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