All Forum Posts by: Alison M.

I also recommend Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson. I refer to it all the time. I also always take a contract with me with blank price, same as others have suggested.

As for talking about money, I'm a firm believer that it's important to know techniques but it's also important to use words and phrases you're comfortable with or else it will come off sounding awkward and artificial. What works for me is a two-parter: "What do you think the house is worth?" (listen) then, "OK . . . so what would you take for it?" Don't assume they'll be the same answer.

Just as important, absorb all the suggestions here then craft them into the words that are comfortable for you. If you're uncomfortable with what you're saying it will show and throw off your whole game.

@Bill Gulley , could you be more specific about which regulators to call? For example, I am in VA and do deals in VA, DC and MD. Is it the same everywhere or does it vary by state? Thanks.

I shoot for as much as I can get away with while still making a good deal for the end buyer. I've had as little as $5k and as much as $40k. One woman at our REIA club got a $100k wholesale fee recently - really!

I've never used them. However, I call on ones that I see or have one of my kids do it if we're driving. Never have gotten the investor on the other end of the phone! Just voice mail, call centers, or dead air.

@Jerry Puckett I looked at Streak and it appears very much like Pipeliner without the pricetag. Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately I don't use gmail so can't use Streak.

Does anyone know something like Streak that will run with Outlook?

After going from a reliable paycheck to self employment 5 years ago, I am adamant that I will *never* take on another mortgage again after we sell our current residence. I don't know your other financial circumstances Robin but unless you've got an annuity that covers your mortgage or another iron-clad income stream I would keep your paid off house just like it is - paid off.

I use a Word table with embedded docs for leads, and an Excel spreadsheet with hyperlinks to my mailing lists to track marketing and response rates.

I also recently did a 30-day trial of a product called Pipeliner which I liked very much and am interested in buying, but can't justify spending the money if I can still do it in my home-grown system. I liked Pipeliner because it was very visual like a flowchart, as opposed to being table-based like most CRM and SFM systems.

I also have a software development background.

Hi Aaron. I have learned over time NOT to say anything specific on a postcard about owing taxes. People feel exposed if postcards are floating around saying they are behind. Either send something in an envelope, or just include back taxes in the list of problems you're willing to help them solve on your postcard verbiage.

There's no down side to calling. I make cold calls all the time to owners and rarely get a hostile response. Just use your friendliest voice and you'll do fine.

Aaron, could you describe in a bit more detail how you "walk" the other property? Sounds like an interesting concept.