Direct mail to sellers who currently have agents

[Angel Hagen]

One of the target markets I am looking at for direct mail are those whose homes have been listed and not sold. I have identified zip codes in my area in which I would like to invest and I am narrowing down the housing currently listed in that area by how long it has been listed. 

I am thinking of starting direct mail to those whose homes have been listed either more than 6 months or more than 12 months (the areas I am targeting have median less than 30 days on the market). Is this acceptable since most of these properties currently will be listed by a realtor? My intent is not to circumvent the realtor or that relationship, but to provide the seller with an alternative option for a home that has not sold once that contract expires. 

Thanks for responding......

[Ray Lai]

@Angel Hagen

The type of list you're aiming to do is a long-game but worthwhile. They are trickier to deal with because the main reason why listings aren't sold is because they are asking too much. If you are willing to educate the seller on repair/rehab costs and give all-cash offers and offer them the bliss of no people-tramping through their homes, then you can convert some of these. Or when the seller truly becomes distressed.

Ever consider picking up a real estate license while you're doing this type of mailing? That way you can offer a full-service option to the seller. If their home needs some serious work - all cash. If their home really is in great condition, you can position yourself as a realtor that can price properly and close the sale.