All Forum Posts by: Alison M.

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.

Patrick, don't know what things are like where you live but I can say with confidence that no one in the Washington DC metro area investor community looks down on wholesalers or wholesaling. Wholesalers are seen as a vital piece of the industry here and I get pinged every day by people wanting to know when I'll have my next deal ready to wholesale.

I guess I take a pragmatic view - if I send out $10k-$15k worth of marketing each year looking for rehab deals, and get calls on properties that for whatever reason I don't want to rehab but are decent deals for someone else, why shouldn't I monetize them?? It's fast, fun, and if successful puts money in your pocket more quickly than most other strategies. In fact I try to monetize every decent lead I get, whether it's a wholesale, a referral, a rehab, or something else. That's an advantage of a large network, someone else will probably want the deal and be willing to pay you for it.

That said, I agree with @Greg P. that it should be one of many strategies that you have available, but I think it's a great place to start in this business.

Kelly, on a more specific note about your list: Don't forget to factor in motivation when selecting your list. An out of state homeowner may be motivated because he/she is tired of being a landlord. At the same time, an owner with a big equity stake may not be very motivated. Just something to think about.

Just saw this Michael. I came looking for you on BP when I couldn't raise anyone at YLM. Hope you're doing OK and will be back in action very soon!

Best regards, Alison

Hi Justin,

IMO the best spreadsheet is the one you create yourself, because it will make the most sense to you.

I started out with a spreadsheet a couple of years ago, then tried several other apps and spreads from other people, and ended up just using my own spreadsheet. It will grow organically as you fine-tune how you track your marketing.

Alison

One more suggestion that I don't see addressed elsewhere in this thread - don't answer the phone if you're not prepared to talk! In bed, driving, during dinner, etc - if I can't talk intelligently on the phone I let my VA/voice mail pick it up. You will still have the phone number and can call back, even if it's just a few minutes later, in the right frame of mind.

And to reiterate someone else's comment - just let the seller talk. The lead-in question "tell me about the house" will probably turf up most of what you need to know, then you can ask specifics for the stuff you didn't get. "Could you spell your name for me please?" etc.

Alison

I have wholesaled many houses with back taxes due (one of my target markets). One thing to remember when dealing with the seller is that the taxes will have to be paid, no matter who buys the property. It's not like he can move on from you to another buyer and be relieved of that obligation.

The District of Columbia is serious about foreclosing on properties with delinquent taxes, so it might help to look up how long he's been delinquent and what the tax sale laws are in Houston/Harris County. This might provide you with additional leverage, to be used very judiciously of course!

Bumping up again. I agree with Ann, if you don't take this opportunity to work with Michael then you're missing a career-changing experience. I started working with him about a year ago on my marketing and it has certainly upped my game.

I've done several deals with properties that are owned by trusts. I second what KMP said.

Hi Michael, just listened to the message. I agree it sounds a bit too generic. The other thing is that the voice sounds computer-generated. I think a voice that is obviously human would be more engaging.