Investor · San Bernardino, CA · Member since 2013 · 22 posts · 3 votes
I'm about to send out my first mailing (out of state absentees) and am noticing that ~1/2 of my leads have a 2nd owner on the property. Should I address both owners? Just owner 1? Am I totally over thinking? Searched the BP forums & couldn't find an answer.
Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
12y
I'd say no, one owner usually talks to the other and they would be aware of your business. Luck of the draw in addressing the right one I suppose. Seems it would double your costs without any measurable response.
Now, if you are saying address both owners on title, like Mr & Mrs Jones, I'd say that would be proper.
You might mention another owner, it shows you have done your research for example; Mr Smith, I understand you and Mr. Jones own a property at .... addressing the letter to Mr. Smith.
I never did mass mailings and would never do it. Obviously it works or people wouldn't do it, but I prefer to locate properties first then the owner. :)
Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
12y
@Bill Gulley Wrote "I prefer to locate properties first then the owner. :)"
I do the same thing Bill. I locate the 21000 properties that qualify according to my model then find the owners and write them all a letter.
As to multiple owners. Use the first one listed. They're typically the one in charge of the property. And I wouldn't use a Mr. or Mrs. or Ms. The reality is that there are too many names which fit both men and women. Not to mention the increasing possibility of same sex couples... Talk about a bad first impression. Leave it at first name last name first person listed and you'll do fine.
Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
12y
Good point Michael, I picked up 7 properties that were two ladies that split up, met one and called the other named Lane, it was rather odd figuring it out on the phone. :)
Good point Michael, I picked up 7 properties that were two ladies that split up, met one and called the other named Lane, it was rather odd figuring it out on the phone. :)
Before buying our first place the wife and I lived in a 3 family where the upstairs neighbors were Randy and Barry.
They were both women, I would definetly just stick with the first names without anything before. :)
Real Estate Investor · Lansdowne, PA · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 656 votes
12y
I've had a few deals with multiple owners. Getting one is great to start negotiations but in order to close you will need all names that are on the deed / title certificate.
Contact one owner and the other will follow if the one is interested.
Urbana, IL · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 425 votes
12y
Good tips. I've run into this internal dilemma sometimes for my postcards, especially when the last name is really long and then someone has a hyphenated last name as well. If I do question I normally just make sure the first person on the assessors records is the one I address to.