All Forum Posts by: Michael Smith

I recently started in probates, investing in general, and I think you are making it more complicated than it needs to be. I wouldn't answer with just "hello" as it sounds unprofessional and I have had people tell me that. Then they almost always tell me who they are and I am sure to write it down as well as all other info that they give me. I find its best to let them talk and sit back and listen. Most of the time they will tell you all you need to know. I also think it helps to build a comfort level with them. Ask open ended questions. "So tell me about the house?"

Once I get their info, I run the numbers and call them back to see what kind of deal we can work out. Some times Ill get make an appointment to view the house and meet them and in the mean time, Ill do my research.

Get google voice as this will help keep track of who is calling and they will most likely give you more info on their house.

I have not done all of those campaigns but for the ones I have done absentee owners gave me the most calls. Yes I know its not one you listed but from lates, absentee, probate, inheritance, I got the most calls from absentees.

Putting out bandit signs is definitely the gateway crime in real estate investing. Its all down hill from there!

I am glad you are having success in probate but I can say after almost 1500 letters, I do not have a deal. Here in Houston, all of the information is online and it makes it easy to pull the information. That means competition and sellers wanting you to get into a bidding war. No thanks. All of the things I have been lead to believe so far have not been true. Not one person I have talked to is behind on taxes, needs to recoup funeral cost, or has inherited any type of debt. All houses have been free and clear and they want retail for their new house. I have a pretty good response rate and I am about to start my first set of follow up letters.