Potential Sellers: To Call or Not To Call?

Question

Good Evening BP,

I am targeting the niche of tax delinquent homeowners to see if they would be interested in selling their homes.

I have personal cell phone numbers for a quite a few of them, but wondered if I should call or just send a yellow letter.  I ask this because I did call a few numbers and one person was very unpleased that I was able to find her "unlisted" number.

I feel as if I am violating their privacy, but it's the golden nugget to being able to speak and build rapport with the owner.

IMO beats spending money on a yellow letter that may be ignored.

What do you think?

Michael Quarles · Answer

I would call.

Ned Carey · Answer

I always prefer to call. If they are upset that is a good sign they are not motivated.

Of course it is also a good sign you need a better opening line and you need to be prepared for that reaction. I had someone concerned how I got their number (a private investigator). It didn't stop me from getting a Quit claim deed for $2,500 in a $100K neighborhood.

Simon Campbell · Answer

Dee W.:

A call is always the quickest way to assess the situation. Just keep in mind that most people in a financial bind are annoyed by anyone bringing it to their attention. It's not you they're mad at. It's themselves or the crisis that got them in this situation.

The bottom line is that if they don't do something, soon they'll be going through a tax foreclosure anyway. So, for those interested in how you got their number, follow up with a letter. They're probably upset that their situation is public knowledge. By the time the letter arrives, it will be heavy on their minds and they'll be more open to try to get assistance before the foreclosure and eviction takes place.

Richard Herrera · Answer

I would call, you will get an answer right away instead of waiting weeks if your letter makes them call you.

Tanner Smith · Answer

@Dee W.

Very old follow up to this - but how have you been able to find their personal cell phone? Some specialized mobile phone number appending service (like MelissatData)?

Dee W. · Answer

This is great Ned Carey

Dee W. · Answer

Ned Carey Thank you Ned.  Karen M. you are right.  I did apologize and told the potential seller that I would remove the number from the list.  The person told me to call them another time. At least it wasn't a flat out NO! with additional four letter words to follow :)

Karen Margrave · Answer

Dee W. Call. If someone gets upset, apologize and tell them you'll remove them from your list if they prefer, most people will relent and talk to you.

Ned Carey · Answer

I am often tracking down owners of vacant property. Often these people don't want to be found. Instead of asking for Mr X first, I might say " I'm calling about the property on 123 Main St.   Is Mr X home?" Or even "I have some money for a Mr X, is this the right number for him?"

When someone asks, how did I find them, I say something like "I had to work really hard to find you. I'm calling about your property on 123 Main St." This diverts the subject and lets them know I had a good reason to call, I'm not some creepy stalker.  If they continue to press (hasn't happened so far), I just would just say "you can find all kinds of stuff on the internet."

To the woman I call recently  I said "For what it is worth you were hard to find. I couldn't find you so I hired a private investigator"

Alison M. · Answer

Dee, IMHO if you got their numbers from public records then I see no reason why you should hesitate to call if you want to.   If on the other hand their numbers are not public record and you got them anyway somehow, you may want to reconsider calling them.

Potential Sellers: To Call or Not To Call?

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