Letter to absentee landlord?

[Holly Ferguson]

I've done walking for dollars around my neighborhood and by doing so have come to learn that there is a house that the owners have rented out for many years. The last time it seems to have been rented was in 2003 (Per MLS) I suspect maybe it has been more recently than that and they marketed it and found tenants themselves, maybe. I would say for about the last year it has looked deserted driveway not plowed and over the summer the yard would be overgrown one day and cut two days later. Curtains are always pulled and trash is never left out on trash day. I've thought I should write the owners a letter either as a listing agent or even buying it and flipping it (should it need work inside.) Curbside appeal would definitely be warranted. Any suggestions on what I should write either as a list agent, investor or both?

Thank you.

[Mindy Jensen]

@Holly Ferguson , I'm an agent, and we're required to disclose this information before any contract is signed. I add this into the initial letter - I don't want them to feel I have misled them.

I say something to the effect of "If you're ever interested in selling, I'm looking to buy. While I am a licensed agent, I am not looking to list your home or steal it from you. I'm looking to pay you a fair priced based on what it is worth in the current market."

You don't have to disclose that you're an agent until a contract is drawn up, but I like to put it all out there at once...